Olivia Dean Wins Big At MOBO Awards 2026 With Three Major Prizes

Olivia Dean strengthened her breakout year by winning three major awards at the MOBO Awards 2026, held in Manchester for the first time.

The London artist took home Best Female Act, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year, underlining her growing influence in UK music.

Olivia Dean takes Album of the Year and song honours

Dean’s second album The Art Of Loving won Album of the Year, beating strong competition from Little Simz and Central Cee.

Her single Man I Need also secured Song of the Year, continuing its success on the charts.

While accepting Best Female Act, Dean said:

“I feel so proud to be a black British female artist”

She also dedicated her Album of the Year win to author bell hooks and the wider influence of Black feminism.

“All the black feminists that inspire me to love better and love the people in my life”

Momentum builds after Brits and Grammy wins

The MOBO wins add to a major year for Dean, following four BRIT Awards wins and a Grammy Awards victory earlier in 2026.

She also performed A Couple Minutes during the ceremony, marking a standout live moment at the event’s 30th anniversary edition.

Pharrell Williams and Slick Rick honoured

Elsewhere, Pharrell Williams received the Global Songwriter Award, presented by Nile Rodgers.

“When you love what you get to do, you’re never working, you’re just having the time of your life”

Williams also paid tribute to MOBO founder Kanya King during his speech.

Hip hop pioneer Slick Rick was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, delivering a career spanning performance alongside Estelle.

“There were moments people didn’t understand… every step, story and silence in-between brought me to this moment”

Winners across genres highlight diverse UK talent

Other notable winners included:

• Jim Legxacy – Best Male Act
• DC3 – Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act
• Raye – Video of the Year (Where Is My Husband!)
• Flo – Best R&B/Soul Act
• Nova Twins – Best Alternative Act
• Wizkid – Best African Music Act
• Vybz Kartel – Best Caribbean Music Act
• Ayra Starr – Best International Act

Central Cee added Best Hip Hop Act to his growing list of accolades, while Chip and Twin S picked up Best Grime and Best Drill respectively.

Beyond music: TV and media winners

The ceremony also recognised achievements beyond music.

Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for Adolescence, while Niko Omilana was named Best Media Personality.

A defining moment for Olivia Dean

Dean’s triple win reinforces her position at the forefront of UK music in 2026, capping a run that has seen critical acclaim, chart success and major industry recognition align in the same year.