A post shared by @premiumtimesng on Instagram reveals that Nigerian superstars Ayra Starr and Wizkid were among the big winners at the 30th Anniversary MOBO Awards held in Manchester. Ayra Starr clinched the “Best International Act” title, beating out heavyweights like Cardi B and Gunna, while Wizkid took home the “Best African Music Act” trophy.
Jang News highlighted that while the Nigerians shone, they were technically “outshone” in the major categories by UK singer Olivia Dean, who scooped up Album of the Year and Best Female Act. The outlet quoted a source saying the event was a “star-studded celebration of Black music” that showcased the “global reach of Afrobeats.”
The Sun Nigeria confirmed the results, noting that the victory for Ayra Starr marks her “second consecutive win” in a major international category following her successful 2025 run. The publication mentioned that the competition was fierce, with the likes of Davido, Rema, and Tyla also in the running for the African category.
Echotitbits take:
The MOBOs continue to be a vital barometer for the “Sabi Girl’s” ascent into the highest tiers of global pop. For Wizkid, this win reaffirms his “Big Wiz” status even as the industry becomes increasingly crowded with new talent. The fact that an international act like Ayra Starr is beating US rappers in their own categories shows that the global “center of gravity” for music is shifting toward Lagos and London.
Source: Arise — https://www.arise.tv/wizkid-ayra-starr-win-as-olivia-dean-leads-at-2026-mobo-awards/ March 29, 2026
Photo Credit: Arise
