2026 MOBO AWARDS ALT NOMS + MORE!
The 2026 MOBO Awards are bringing their legendary celebration of Black music and culture to Manchester’s Co-op Live for the very first time as part of the MOBO Organisation’s 30th anniversary and the Best Alternative Music Act category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting lineups yet. This year’s nominees showcase some of the most daring, genre-bending talent in the UK today and beyond, reflecting a fearless approach to music that defies expectation.
Alt Blk Era are making waves with their experimental soundscapes that blend post punk energy with modern R and B textures while Blood Orange continues to push boundaries with socially conscious lyrics and genre-melding productions that have cemented Dev Hynes as one of the most innovative voices of his generation. Hak Baker fuses grime, punk and soul with storytelling that feels raw and deeply rooted in the streets and communities he represents. Michael Kiwanuka brings his cinematic soul, effortlessly combining classic instrumentation with contemporary narratives, while Nova Twins ignite the stage with their explosive rock and rap punk fusion. Rising star Rachel Chinouriri rounds out the category with emotive experimental pop that bridges soul, alternative and electronic influences, proving that anything goes when creativity leads.
MOBO Awards founder Kanya King CBE reflected on the nominees saying From sharp socially conscious lyricism to boundary pushing creativity that defies genre this generation of artists is deeply connected to their communities. The 2026 nominations represent one of the strongest and most diverse showcases of Black British music excellence we have seen in years.
This playful, fearless, and innovative crop of artists shows that alternative music is more than a category it is a statement about identity, ambition and cultural impact. From Nova Twins high voltage riffs to Chinouriri’s emotive vocal landscapes the stage is set for an unforgettable celebration of sound and creativity that will shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting voices in music today.