Little Simz and Olivia Dean lead Mobo Award nominations

Little Simz and Olivia Dean have both been nominated for album of the year and best female act at the Mobo awards.

The pair, along with Kwn and Jim Legxacy, are this year’s most nominated artists – all with four nods each.

The ceremony, due to be held for the first time in Manchester, will see Skepta nominated for three awards including best male act, while PinkPantheress also has three nods including best female act and song of the year for her hit Illegal.

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will go up against Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham for their roles in Netflix series Adolescence in the best performance in a TV show or film category.

Described as Europe’s biggest celebration of black music and culture, the awards ceremony on March 26 will see Little Simz up against Flo, Kwn, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress and Sasha Keable for best female act.

In the running for best male act is one of the most decorated rappers in Mobos history Central Cee, alongside Elmiene, Nemzzz, Odeal, Skepta, and Jim Legxacy.

Lewisham-born rapper, singer and producer Legxacy continues his ascent with his four nominations, which also include best newcomer, video of the year, and song of the year for 3x, his collaboration with Dave.

Little Simz, who has previously won three Mobo Awards, is also nominated for album of the year for Lotus, as well as best hip hop act, and video of the year for Flood, featuring Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly.

Meanwhile, her fellow Londoner Olivia Dean also receives nods for best R&B/soul act, her chart-topping album The Art Of Loving, and song of the year for Man I Need.

Kwn cements her place as one of the UK’s most exciting new R&B stars to watch, and as well as best female act, is up for best newcomer, best R&B/soul act and song of the year for Do What I Say.

The 20 categories recognise outstanding talent and releases between September 2024 and October 2025.

The ceremony will take place at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with tickets now available at mobo.com/tickets.

Kanya King, the founder and chief executive of Mobo Group, said: “As Mobo enters its 30th year, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary breadth of talent we have championed over the past three decades.

“Time and again, artists have taken the recognition of a Mobo Award and transformed it into fuel for lasting success.

“This year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in.

“Their voices matter — not only in how they soundtrack our lives, but in how they shape the future. From sharp, socially conscious lyricism to boundary-pushing creativity that defies genre, this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities.”