entertainment
Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid Lead 2026 MOBO Nominations.
Nigerian music stars Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage have been nominated for the 2026 MOBO Awards, further highlighting Nigeria’s dominance on the global Black music scene.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The nominations were announced on Thursday across 20 categories ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester. This edition marks the first time the MOBO Awards will be hosted in Manchester and coincides with the organisation’s 30th anniversary.
Davido, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage are among the contenders for the highly competitive Best African Music Act category, where they will compete with fellow Nigerians Ayra Starr, Rema, Shallipopi, and Adekunle Gold. Other nominees include Ghana’s Moliy, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, and South Africa’s Tyla, reflecting the continued global rise and cross-border appeal of African music.
Ayra Starr stands out with nominations in both Best African Music Act and Best International Act, where she will compete against global stars including Cardi B, Kehlani, Gunna, and Vybz Kartel. Tyla and Moliy also received nominations in both categories.
The singer has previously made history at the MOBO Awards. In 2025, she became the first woman in 16 years to win Best African Music Act, while also securing the Best International Music Act title.
Regarded as Europe’s largest celebration of Black music and culture, the MOBO Awards recognise outstanding talent and releases from September 1, 2024, to October 1, 2025. MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King CBE said the 2026 shortlist reflects the diversity, cultural influence, and strength of Black music globally.
“As MOBO enters its 30th year, 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,” King said, adding that the nominations showcase one of the strongest and most diverse celebrations of Black British music in recent years while underlining the awards’ growing international reach.
Leading the nominations are Little Simz, Olivia Dean, KWN, and Jim Legxacy with four nods each, followed by Central Cee, Skepta, PinkPantheress, and FLO with three nominations apiece.
The awards also honour achievements in film, television, and media. Notable nominees for Best Performance in a TV Show/Film include Cynthia Erivo (Wicked), Ashley Walters and Stephen Graham (Netflix’s Adolescence), and Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners).
The awards ceremony will be preceded by the MOBO Fringe Festival, a week-long cultural program in partnership with Manchester City Council featuring live performances, industry panels, and creative workshops. Hosts, performers, and special honourees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Full List of 2026 MOBO Awards Nominees (Selected Categories):
Best Male Act: Central Cee, Elmiene, Jim Legxacy, Nemzzz, Odeal, Skepta
Best Female Act: FLO, KWN, Little Simz, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Sasha Keable
Album of the Year: Central Cee (Can’t Rush Greatness), Ezra Collective (Dance, No One’s Watching), FLO (Access All Areas), Kojey Radical (Don’t Look Down), Little Simz (Lotus), Olivia Dean (The Art of Loving)
Song of the Year: AJ Tracey feat. Jorja Smith (Crush), Donae’O feat. Omar, Lemar & House Gospel Choir (Nights Like This), Fred Again, Skepta & Plaqueboymax (Victory Lap), Jim Legxacy & Dave (3X), KWN (Do What I Say), Olivia Dean (Man I Need), PinkPantheress (Illegal), Raye (Where Is My Husband!)
Best African Music Act: Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), Joshua Baraka (Uganda), Moliy (Ghana), Rema (Nigeria), Shallipopi (Nigeria), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Tyla (South Africa), Wizkid (Nigeria)
Best International Act: Ayra Starr, Cardi B, Clipse, Gunna, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Mariah the Scientist, Moliy, Tyla, Vybz Kartel
Other categories include Best Hip Hop Act, Best Drill Act, Best R&B/Soul Act, Best Alternative Music Act, Best Grime Act, Best Gospel Act, Best Jazz Act, Best Electronic/Dance Act, Best Caribbean Music Act, Best Producer, Best Media Personality, and Best Performance in a TV Show/Film, with nominees spanning Nigeria, the UK, the US, Ghana, South Africa, and beyond.
entertainment
“My Man Is Not Finding It Funny” – Nkechi Blessing Warns Opeyemi Falegan Over Her Pictures.
Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has appealed to her former lover, Opeyemi Falegan, to stop posting her pictures on social media.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The warning came barely five days after the actress and the Ekiti-born politician reconciled and apologised to each other during a TikTok live session.
News reports that Nkechi and Falegan settled their past differences on November 7, 2026, following issues surrounding their former relationship.
However, Falegan, who is also a United States-based military officer, later shared a picture of himself and the actress on social media.
The post generated reactions among Nigerians, with some assuming that the former lovers had rekindled their romance.
Nkechi, however, dismissed such suggestions, insisting that their reconciliation did not mean they had resumed their romantic relationship.
In a post shared on her Instagram Story on Thursday, the actress called on people close to Falegan to advise him to stop sharing her pictures.
She explained that his repeated posts were creating tension between her and her current partner, who was uncomfortable with the situation.
She said: “Anybody wey sabi that honorable should pls tell him to stop posting my picture on his page every minute. My man is not finding it funny and I am seriously tired of explaining like I’m a child. Oga we don apologise to each other kindly leave me alone na.”
Nigerian content creator and actor Justin Ugonna, popularly known as Justin UG, has enlisted in the United States military......KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the entertainer announced his new career development in a post shared on his Instagram page.
Justin UG revealed that joining the military was never part of his plans, noting that he would have found it difficult to believe anyone who predicted a few years ago that he would eventually wear the military uniform.
He disclosed that the past few weeks had been physically and mentally challenging, but the experience had taught him the importance of mental strength and the ability to push beyond personal limits.
The actor expressed pride in himself for completing the demanding experience, while appreciating the lessons he had learnt along the way.
He wrote: “You never really know where certain decisions will take you or how much they can change the course of your life.
“If you had told me a few years ago that I’d one day be wearing this uniform, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. This was never a path I imagined for myself, but here we are.
“The past few weeks have been some of the most mentally and physically challenging weeks of my life. But if there’s one thing this experience has taught me, it’s just how powerful the mind really is. We’re capable of so much more than we give ourselves credit for and I’m incredibly proud of myself for seeing this through and grateful for everything this experience has taught me.
“Would I want to do it all over again? Absolutely not 🙏😂. But I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”
Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has announced that he will begin charging people who expect him to respond to their messages.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the comedian disclosed this in a post shared on his Instagram Story.
According to Bovi, anyone seeking a response from him should be ready to pay for the service.
He also warned those who might not receive replies to make the necessary payment if they want his attention.
The comedian wrote, “Now charging money to reply messages. So if you don’t get a reply, pay up!”
In other news, Bovi has opened up about his experience raising his son, revealing that the boy broke three television sets on separate occasions due to his behaviour.
Naija News reports that the comedian had previously stated that he does not believe in beating children as a form of discipline.
He maintained that parents should allow their children to grow and learn while providing proper guidance.
Bovi explained that his son sometimes broke household items when he was angry or simply out of playfulness, including three television sets in their home.
The comedian added that he was able to replace the damaged televisions because he could afford to do so, noting that the situation might have been different if he lacked the financial means.
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