Wizkid, Ayra Starr and Niko Omilana were counted among the winners at the 2026 MOBO Awards, in a line-up that reflects the broad scope of contemporary Black entertainment.

The MOBO Awards, established to recognise achievement in music of Black origin, continue to spotlight artists and personalities shaping global culture. This year’s edition brought together established names and emerging voices, with African talent again visible across key categories.

Wizard – Instagram

Wizkid’s recognition adds to a catalogue of international awards that have marked his career over the past decade. Known for chart-topping releases and high-profile collaborations, the Nigerian artist has maintained a consistent presence across global markets, including the UK and Europe. His influence has extended beyond recordings to touring and cross-continental partnerships, reinforcing his position within Afrobeats’ global expansion.

Ayra Starr

For Ayra Starr, the win signals continued momentum. Since her breakout, she has released projects that have performed across streaming platforms while also securing international bookings. Her sound blends Afropop with contemporary global pop elements, contributing to a growing audience outside West Africa. Industry coverage has linked her rise to a wider wave of young African artists gaining traction in multiple territories, including Southern Africa.

Niko Omilana – Instagram

The inclusion of Niko Omilana reflects the MOBO Awards’ recognition of cultural impact beyond traditional music categories. Known for his online content and strong youth following, Omilana represents a digital-first model of influence, where audience reach is built across platforms rather than through music releases alone.

Together, these winners illustrate the range of talent shaping Black entertainment today. From established recording artists to emerging global acts and digital creators, the 2026 MOBO Awards highlight how influence extends across music, media and online communities. For audiences in South Africa, where Afrobeats and global pop continue to intersect, the outcomes reinforce ongoing connections between African artists and international platforms.

Michael B. Jordan won his first Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Sinners at the 98th Academy Awards which was held on March 16, 2026.

Jordan won the award for his role as twins, Elijah “Smoke” and Elias “Stack” Moore. In the movie, he portrayed two different personalities.

Micheal B Jordan: Instagrami

The win was significant because it was Jordan’s first Academy Award and nomination. At 39, he joined became one of the few black actors, alongside Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, and Jamie Foxx who had won the Best Actor award.

In his acceptance speech, Jordan thanked his family, his fans, and longtime collaborator Ryan Coogler, who directed Sinners.

Of Coogler, whom he had worked with five times, he said:

“so honoured to to call you a collaborator and a friend and give me an opportunity and space for me to be seen. I love you too, bro.”

He acknowledged the actors who came before him, saying he stood on their shoulders.

Micheal B Jordan:Instagram

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Sinners received multiple nominations and won and winning several awards. Although Sinners performed well, One Battle After Another won the best picture award.

Michael B. Jordan’s first Oscar win marks a milestone in his career, showing both his achievement in Sinners and his growing recognition in Hollywood.

Tyla has won the Outstanding International Song award at the NAACP Image Awards in 2026. The singer earned the honour for her hit single “Is It,”

The NAACP Image Awards are presented annually by the National Association to honour the achievements of colored people. They celebrated her award on their Instagram page with the caption “celebrating the music that brings us together”. The 2026 edition marked the 57th ceremony, continuing a long tradition of recognising artists.

Tyla:Getty Images

Tyla won in the Outstanding International Song category during the event. Her song “Is It” stood out in an highly competitive category that featured entries from leading African artists including Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage. Earlier in February, Tyla made global headlines after winning the Best African Music at the Grammy Awards.

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Over the past few years, Tyla has built a name for herself beyond South Africa. She has performed on major global stages and collaborated with international acts.

Tyla: Instagram

Her NAACP Award victory shows the increasing recognition of African artists in global award spaces. The Outstanding International Song category itself shows how African music continues to shape mainstream sounds worldwide.

Tyla: Getty Images

Fans celebrated her win across social media platforms, praising her growth. Many noted how far she has come. At just 24 years old, Tyla continues to break new ground and set higher standards for herself.

Her NAACP Image Award shows the strength of young African talent and how the creative industry in the continent has grown. With this latest recognition, Tyla’s global journey shows no signs of slowing down.