MOBO Awards to Celebrate 30th Anniversary in March 2026 with Major Move to Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena

The 2025 MOBO Awards were nothing short of historic, with Jamaican stars commanding a sizeable portion of the spotlight in Newcastle. Shenseea etched her name deeper into the record books, clinching her second MOBO Award after being crowned Best Caribbean Music Act, a category she previously made history in back in 2021. “It’s a true honour to represent my culture on this stage,” she shared, following her victory over a strong lineup that included Spice, Popcaan, YG Marley, Valiant, and Skillibeng. Meanwhile, Spice — the reigning Queen of Dancehall — not only lit up the stage as a headlining performer but also remained a fan favourite as a nominee in the same category. Adding to the night’s weight, dancehall titan Vybz Kartel made a landmark appearance in the UK for the first time in over a decade, receiving the coveted MOBO Impact Award, with MOBO founder Kanya King OBE hailing his “immeasurable” influence on global music.

While 2025 celebrated unforgettable moments, all eyes are now on what comes next. The MOBOs are preparing for an even bigger stage in 2026, marking their 30th anniversary with a first-ever ceremony in Manchester. Set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, the milestone edition will unfold at the state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena, promising “an unforgettable night of electrifying performances, powerful tributes and culture-shaping moments.”

Manchester’s selection is no coincidence — the city is rapidly becoming the UK’s new music capital. In the same year, the BRIT Awards will also relocate to Co-op Live, stepping outside of London for the first time. With both iconic ceremonies sharing the northern stage, Manchester is poised to become a central hub for global music celebrations.

Adding further depth to the anniversary festivities, the MOBO Fringe Festival will debut as a week-long cultural showcase across Manchester. Free and open to the public, the programme will feature live performances, workshops, industry panels, and creative showcases designed to nurture local talent while amplifying the city’s vibrant grassroots scene.

The 2026 MOBO Awards will also reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to social impact and cultural legacy. Prostate Cancer UK returns as the official men’s health partner, raising lifesaving awareness for Black men at higher risk of prostate cancer, while got2b continues its partnership, celebrating individuality and creativity. Reflecting on three decades of influence, Kanya King OBE summed it up best: “When you celebrate culture, you don’t just preserve history — you shape the future.” With icons from Stormzy and Rihanna to Vybz Kartel and Davido already etched into its history, MOBO’s landmark 30th edition promises to be a celebration of both legacy and the limitless possibilities ahead.