Dave leads the 2026 Urban Music Awards nominations with 10 nods, followed by RAYE, Jim Legxacy and Olivia Dean on eight each as the ceremony prepares to return to London on 15 December.
The 24th annual Urban Music Awards will celebrate UK and international artists across categories covering hip hop, R&B, grime, drill, Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, jazz and gospel, alongside awards for producers, DJs, music videos, radio, podcasts and digital platforms.
Dave leads the 2026 Urban Music Awards nominations
Dave’s 10 nominations include Artist of the Year (UK) and Best Album for The Boy Who Played the Harp. He also receives three recognitions connected to his collaboration with Tems on “Raindance”.
RAYE, Jim Legxacy and Olivia Dean follow with eight nominations apiece, while Skepta has seven, including recognition for “Victory Lap”, his collaboration with Fred again.. and PlaqueBoyMax.
The Artist of the Year (UK) category features a broad field including Central Cee, Dave, Finn Askew, FLO, J Hus, Jim Legxacy, Lola Young, Nemzzz, Odeal, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Scorcher and Skepta.
Best Album includes Central Cee, Little Simz and RAYE
The Best Album category brings together some of the biggest UK releases of the year.
The nominees are:
- Central Cee, Can’t Rush Greatness
- DAMEDAME, Dreams On The Passenger Seat
- Dave, The Boy Who Played The Harp
- FLO, Access All Areas
- Griminal, Grimace
- Kojey Radical, Don’t Look Down
- Little Simz, Lotus
- Nia Archives, Emotional Junglist
- Olivia Dean, The Art Of Loving
- RAYE, This Music May Contain Hope
The Best Group category includes Ezra Collective, D Block Europe, FLO, House Gospel Choir, NSG, SAULT, Sol and The Gang, STXRM Collective and WSTRN.
Urban Music Awards expand international categories
The 2026 ceremony also places a stronger focus on international music, with dedicated Artist of the Year categories covering the USA, Africa, the Caribbean, France, Asia and South America.
The international nominations include major names such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Doechii, Tyler, The Creator, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Tyla, Vybz Kartel, Aya Nakamura, Diljit Dosanjh, Bad Bunny and Karol G.
The Best International Act category includes Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Doechii, Kehlani, Tems, Tyla, Bad Bunny and Vybz Kartel among its nominees.
UK genre categories cover hip hop, grime, drill and Afrobeats
The genre awards reflect the breadth of the UK urban music scene.
The Best Hip Hop Act nominees include Aitch, Central Cee, Dave, D Block Europe, Jim Legxacy, Knucks, Kojey Radical, Little Simz, Loyle Carner and Nemzzz.
Best R&B / Soul Act features Elmiene, Jim Legxacy, Jorja Smith, kwn, Mabel, Nectar Woode, Nia Smith, Nippa, Odeal, Sampha, SAULT, Sasha Keable and Shae Universe.
The Best Grime Act category includes Chip, D Double E, Durrty Goodz, Griminal, JME, Kano, Scorcher, Skepta and Wiley, while Best Drill Act features artists including Digga D, EsDeeKid, Headie One, K Trap, LeoStayTrill, Nemzzz and Pozer.
The Best Afrobeats Act nominees include Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, Moliy, Mr Eazi, Rema, Shallipopi, Tems, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid.
RAYE, Olivia Dean and Skepta among major nominees
RAYE receives recognition across several of the ceremony’s biggest categories, including Artist of the Year (UK), Best Female Act, Best Album, Best Single, Best Collaboration, Best Music Video, Best Live Act / Performance and Best Singer / Songwriter.
Olivia Dean is also nominated for Artist of the Year (UK), Best Female Act, Best Album, Best Single, Best Collaboration, Best Music Video, Best Live Act / Performance and Best Singer / Songwriter.
Skepta’s nominations include Artist of the Year (UK), Best Male Act, Best Single, Best Collaboration, Best Live Act / Performance, Best Producer and Best Grime Act.
The Best Single category features collaborations and solo releases from Dave and Tems, Fred again.. and Skepta with PlaqueBoyMax, Stormzy and Odeal, Olivia Dean, RAYE, AJ Tracey and Jorja Smith, among others.
Urban Music Awards 2026 voting and tickets
Voting is now open through the Urban Music Awards website. Tickets and VIP tables are also available for the London gala, covering the red carpet, live performances, awards ceremony and official afterparty.
The ceremony will also be streamed live on Channel One TV.
Urban Music Awards Vice President Cressida Oppenheimer said:
“For 24 years, the Urban Music Awards have championed the artists, producers, DJs and creators who drive our culture forward. This year’s nominees show just how strong, diverse and global urban music has become. Now it’s over to the fans: get voting, and we’ll see you on 15 December for a night of elegance, fashion, performances and the biggest celebration of the year.”
The 2026 Urban Music Awards take place in London on 15 December 2026, with winners to be decided across the UK, international, genre and culture-focused categories.
