Hip Hop/Rap
Hip-hop icon Eve and Eddie Kadi to host 2026 MOBO Awards as first performers announced
The MOBO Awards will take place for the first time in Manchester this year and it's already promising to be a star-studded event.
Global hip‑hop star Eve and comedian Eddie Kadi will host the 2026 MOBO Awards, taking place March 26 at Co‑op Live in Manchester.
The ceremony marks a major milestone for the organisation as it celebrates 30 years of honouring Black music and culture.
MOBO has also confirmed the first performers for this year’s show, with Olivia Dean, FLO, and Tiwa Savage set to take the stage. More performers and special honourees will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Speaking about joining the anniversary event, Eve said: “I’m so excited to be co‑hosting the MOBO Awards in this big 30th anniversary year… Manchester, I hope you’re ready because we have an amazing night planned for you.”
Kadi, returning for a second year, added: “To be back co‑hosting the MOBO Awards is an honour, especially for its 30th anniversary… Expect the unexpected with performances and surprise appearances.”
This year’s nominations are led by Olivia Dean, Little Simz, kwn, and Jim Legxacy, who each score four nods. FLO, Central Cee, Skepta, and PinkPantheress follow with three nominations apiece.
MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE said the pairing of Eve and Kadi reflects the spirit of the anniversary year:
“Eve and Eddie each represent excellence, authenticity and cultural impact… and together, they embody the humour and global perspective that has always defined the MOBO Awards.”
She added that the first wave of performers “are artists shaping the sound of now.”
The 2026 ceremony will be one of the biggest in MOBO history, bringing together leading names from across R&B, hip‑hop, Afrobeats, soul, grime and beyond for a landmark celebration in Manchester.
Tickets are available now via mobo.com/tickets.
