Caribbean music is once again at the centre of the global conversation as six regional powerhouses secure nominations for Best Caribbean Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards, with Vybz Kartel and Masicka leading a formidable lineup. Announced on January 15, the nominations place Jamaican and Caribbean talent firmly in the spotlight ahead of the landmark ceremony, set for March 26, 2026, at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena, marking MOBO’s historic 30th anniversary.
The Best Caribbean Music Act category reads like a snapshot of the genre’s evolution. Dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, whose influence continues to reverberate globally, is joined by modern hitmakers Masicka, Shenseea, who’s also last year’s winner and Ayetian, alongside roots-infused songstress Lila Iké and Trinidadian breakout Yung Bredda. Kartel’s presence is especially significant, coming just a year after he received the MOBO Impact Award in 2025, when MOBO founder Kanya King OBE hailed his “immeasurable” contribution to global music during his first UK appearance in over a decade.
Meanwhile, the nominations underline the Caribbean’s expanding reach beyond regional borders. Kartel also lands a spot in the Best International Act category, competing against global heavyweights including Cardi B, Gunna, Tyla, and Ayra Starr, while Ghanaian-American star Moliy continues her international rise. With leading UK acts like Little Simz and Olivia Dean topping the overall nominations list, the 2026 MOBOs promise a truly global celebration of Black music and culture.
As Manchester prepares to host both the MOBOs and the BRIT Awards in the same year, the city is fast becoming the UK’s new music capital. Add in the debut MOBO Fringe Festival—a week-long showcase of performances, panels, and grassroots culture—and all signs point to a monumental night where Caribbean music won’t just be represented, but celebrated at the highest level.
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