Olivia Dean wins three major honours at the 2026 Mobo Awards

British pop and soul singer Olivia Dean triumphed at the 2026 Mobo Awards, winning three major accolades during a landmark ceremony in Manchester, which hosted the event for the first time. Dean secured Album of the Year for her second record, ‘The Art of Loving’, Song of the Year for her chart-topping single ‘Man I Need’, and Best Female Act. In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to author bell hooks and to the black feminists who inspire her work, expressing pride in being a black British female artist. The 27-year-old’s success continues a year of acclaim, following four Brit Awards and a Grammy earlier in 2026. The Mobos, celebrating their 30th anniversary, also honoured veteran rapper Slick Rick with a Lifetime Achievement Award and Pharrell Williams with the Global Songwriter Award. Other notable winners included Raye for Video of the Year, Central Cee for Best Hip Hop Act, Wizkid for Best African Music Act, and Ayra Starr, who retained her Best International Act crown. Rising star DC3 won both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, while actor Stephen Graham received Best Performance in a TV Show or Film for his role in ‘Adolescence’. The night celebrated excellence across music and entertainment, reaffirming the Mobos’ role in championing black creative talent.