Nigerian music sensations, Asake and Limoblaze, emerged as winners at the 26th MOBO Awards held at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield, UK, on 7th February.
The ceremony hosted by British actor and comedian Babatunde Aleshe and reality TV star Indiyah Polack witnessed fierce competition among top African and British artists.
In an exciting showdown, Asake outshone renowned African counterparts such as Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Wizkid, Tyla, Adekunle Gold, Ayra Starr, Libianca, and Uncle Waffles, ultimately securing the highly-coveted title of Best African Act. Asake’s exceptional talent and artistry set him apart from his counterparts.
Simultaneously, Limoblaze secured victory by winning the coveted Best Gospel Award, triumphing over accomplished British acts including Annatoria, CalledOut Music, Guvna B, Tofunmi Adorna, and Triple O. The award solidifies Limoblaze’s status as a prominent figure in the gospel music scene, both in Nigeria and beyond.
The event also celebrated the achievements of other exceptional artists. British-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy, with his captivating visuals, claimed the well-deserved Video of the Year award. British-Nigerian artist Little Simz also garnered recognition for her remarkable talent by snagging the coveted Best Hip Hop Act Award.
Below is the full list of winners:
Best African Music Act
- Asake (Nigeria)
- Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
- Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
- Burna Boy (Nigeria)
- Davido (Nigeria)
- Libianca (Cameroon)
- Rema (Nigeria)
- Tyla (South Africa)
- Uncle Waffles (eSwatini)
- Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best Gospel Act
- Limoblaze (Nigeria)
- Annatoria (UK)
- CalledOut Music (UK)
- Guvna B (UK)
- Tofunmi Adorna (UK)
- Triple O (UK
Best Male Act
- Central Cee
- Dave
- D-Block Europe
- J Hus
- Nines
- Stormzy
Best Female Act
- Raye
- Flo
- Jorja Smith
- Little Simz
- Mahalia
- Pinkpantheress
Album of the Year
- Real Back In Style – Potter Payper
- Where I’m Meant To Be – Ezra Collective
- Beautiful and Brutal Yard – J Hus
- No Thank You – Little Simz
- My 21st Century Blues – Raye
- This Is What I Mean – Stormzy
Song of the Year
- ‘Sprinter’ – Central Cee & Dave
- ‘’Who Told You’ – J Hus feat. Drake
- ‘Little Things’ – Jorja Smith
- ‘Boys A Liar Pt.2’ – Pinkpantheress & Ice Spice
- ‘Escapism’ – Raye & 070 Shake
- ‘Hide & Seek’ – Stormzy
Best Newcomer
- Tunde
- Ama Lou
- Antslive
- Debbie
- Jayo
- Nippa
- No Guidnce
- Rimzee
- Strandz
- Tamera
Video of the Year
- ‘Mel Made Me Do It’ (Directed by KLVDR) – Stormzy
- ‘Number One Candidate’ (Directed by Tom Emmerson) – Antslive
- ‘No More Naija Men’ (Directed by Otis Dominique) – Enny
- Dirt in the Diamond EP1: Mobay ft. Tay Iwar / ‘Stay Close’ ft. Kranium (Directed by Renee Maria Osubu) – Jords
- ‘Gorilla’ (Directed by Dave Meyers) – Little Simz
- ‘Healing’’ (Directed by Wowa) – Tion Wayne
Best R&B/Soul Act
- Sault
- Bellah
- Jaz Karis
- Mahalia
- Ragz Originale
- Sampha
Best Hip Hop Act
- Little Simz
- Avelino
- Clavish
- Digga D
- Enny
- Fredo
- Giggs
- Loyle Carner
- Nines
- Potter Payper
Best Grime Act
- Bugzy Malone
- Duppy
- Flowdan
- Manga Saint Hilare
- Novelist
- P Money
Best Drill Act
- K-Trap
- Central Cee
- Headie One
- Kwengface
- M24
- Russ Millions
- Teezandos
- Unknown T
Best International Act (US)
- Drake & 21 Savage
- Doja Cat
- Travis Scott
- Ice Spice
- Latto
- Lil Uzi Vert
- Nicki Minaj
- Sexyy Red
- SZA
- Victoria Monet
Best Performance
- Damson Idris as Franklin Saint – Snowfall
- Adjani Salmon as Kwabena – Dreaming Whilst Black
- Déja J. Bowens as Vita – Champion
- Idris Elba as Sam – Hijack
- India Amarteifio as Queen Charlotte – Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
- John Boyega as Fontaine – They Cloned Tyrone
- Lashana Lynch as Izogie – The Woman King
- Letitia Wright as Shuri – Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
- Malcolm Kamulete as Bosco – Champion
- Vivian Oparah as Yas – Rye Lane
Best Media Personality
- Shxtsngigs
- Alison Hammond
- Amelia Dimoldenberg
- Henrie Kwushue
- Madame Joyce
- Maya Jama
- Pressed Podcast
- Remi Burgz
- Specs Gonzalez
- Zeze Millz
Best Caribbean Music Act
- Valiant
- Byron Messia
- Destra
- Kabaka Pyramid
- Popcaan
- Shenseea
Best Jazz Act
- Ezra Collective (UK)
- Blue Lab Beats (UK)
- Cktrl (UK)
- Masego (US)
- Reuben James (UK)
- Yazmin Lacey (UK)
Best Alternative Music Act
- Skindred
- Alt Blk Era
- Arlo Parks
- Deijuvhs
- Kid Bookie
- Young Fathers
Best Electronic/Dance Act
- Shygirl
- Salute
- Aluna
- Nia Archives
- Pinkpantheress
- Tsha
Best Producer
- Inflo
- Kyle Evans
- M1onthebeat
- P2J
- Steel Banglez
- TSB
Lifetime Achievement Award
- Soul II Soul
Impact Award
- Sugababes
Paving the Way Award
- Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill
Pioneer Award
- Ghetts
