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The nominations for the 2026 MOBOs are officially out

Big names, big talent, BIG vibes. (this article contains affiliate links)

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 15th January 2026

Another awards season is already well underway, and over in the music business, the nominees for the 2026 MOBOs have just been revealed.

Founded by the legendary Kanya King back in 1996, the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year

In case you missed the news back in September, this year’s ceremony will be held right here in Manchester for the very first time, and we’re understandably buzzing about it.

As heading up North wasn’t already exciting enough, the nominations are looking well and truly stacked as always; without further ado, here is the shortlist in full:

2026 MOBOs Nominees

BEST FEMALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b

  • FLO
  • KWN 
  • LITTLE SIMZ
  • OLIVIA DEAN
  • PINKPANTHERESS
  • SASHA KEABLE 

BEST MALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK 

  • CENTRAL CEE
  • ELMIENE
  • JIM LEGXACY 
  • NEMZZZ
  • ODEAL
  • SKEPTA
What’s going down between Aitch and Central Cee?

ALBUM OF THE YEAR, IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMAZON MUSIC 

  • 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’
  • MYLES SMITH – ‘NICE TO MEET YOU’
  • OLIVIA DEAN – ‘MAN I NEED’
  • PINKPANTHERESS – ‘ILLEGAL’ 
  • RAYE – ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’
  • TIM DUZIT – ‘KAT SLATER’

BEST NEWCOMER 

  • DC3
  • ESDEEKID
  • FINESSEKID 
  • JIM LEGXACY 
  • KWN 
  • NAMESBLISS
  • NIA SMITH 
  • SEKOU
  • SKYE NEWMAN 
  • YT
Still convinced it’s him…

VIDEO OF THE YEAR, IN ASSOCIATION WITH VEVO

  • POZER – ‘SHANGHIGH NOON’ (DIRECTED BY BAS HASELAGER) 
  • FKA TWIGS – ‘EUSEXUA’ (DIRECTED BY JORDAN HEMINGWAY) 
  • JIM LEGXACY – ‘FATHER’ (DIRECTED BY LAUZZA) 
  • LITTLE SIMZ – ‘FLOOD FEAT. OBONGJAYAR & MOONCHILD SANELLY’ (DIRECTED BY SALOMON LIGHTHELM)
  • RAYE – ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’ (DIRECTED BY THE REIDS) 
  • SKEPTA & FRED AGAIN – ‘BACK 2 BACK’ (DIRECTED BY DOMAMANIC and SKEPTA) 

BEST R&B/SOUL ACT

  • ELMIENE 
  • FLO 
  • KWN
  • ODEAL
  • OLIVIA DEAN
  • SASHA KEABLE 

Yes, the magical Ms Dean is absolutely ALL OVER this list…

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BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ACT 

  • ALT BLK ERA
  • BLOOD ORANGE 
  • HAK BAKER 
  • MICHAEL KIWANUKA 
  • NOVA TWINS
  • RACHEL CHINOURIRI

BEST GRIME ACT, SUPPORTED BY TRENCH

  • CHIP
  • JAYAHADADREAM
  • KASST 8
  • RUFF SQWAD
  • SCORCHER 
  • WILEY

BEST HIP-HOP ACT 

  • AITCH
  • ASCO
  • CATCH 
  • CENTRAL CEE
  • D-BLOCK EUROPE 
  • KOJEY RADICAL
  • LITTLE SIMZ
  • LOYLE CARNER 
  • WRETCH 32
  • YOUNGS TEFLON 
@the.manc The limited edition 4 Box is out now at @Archies in collaboration with @Aitch – so we sat down to try it for the first time with the man himself. 👏 #themanc #mancheshester #manc #archies #aitch #burger #manchestermusic #takeaway #manchesterfood #manchestereats #manchestertakeaway ♬ original sound – The Manc

BEST DRILL ACT

  • 36
  • BOOTER BEE
  • CHY CARTIER
  • ESDEEKID
  • K-TRAP
  • LEOSTAYTRILL 
  • NEMZZZ
  • POZER 
  • TWIN S
  • WOHDEE


BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT 

  • AYRA STARR
  • CARDI B 
  • CLIPSE
  • GUNNA 
  • KEHLANI 
  • LEON THOMAS 
  • MARIAH THE SCIENTIST 
  • MOLIY
  • TYLA 
  • VYBZ KARTEL 

BEST MEDIA PERSONALITY 

  • BEMI OROJUOGUN (BUS AUNTY)
  • DJ AG 
  • IN MY OPINION 
  • MELISSA HOLDBROOK-AKPOSOE (MELISSA’S WARDROBE) 
  • NADIA JAE 
  • NIKO OMILANA
  • PK HUMBLE 
  • REMI BURGZ 
  • UCHE NATORI 
  • WINNERS TALKING 


BEST PERFORMANCE IN A TV SHOW/FILM 

  • AARON PIERRE – MUFASA: THE LION KING 
  • ASHLEY THOMAS – HOSTAGE 
  • ASHLEY WALTERS – ADOLESCENCE 
  • CYNTHIA ERIVO – WICKED 
  • DAMSON IDRIS – F1 
  • DAYO KOLEOSHO – EASTENDERS 
  • LENNIE JAMES – MR LOVERMAN 
  • MARIANNE JEAN-BAPTISTE – HARD TRUTHS 
  • STEPHEN GRAHAM – ADOLESCENCE 
  • WUNMI MOSAKU – SINNERS 


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 CARIBBEAN MUSIC ACT 

  • AYETIAN 
  • LILA IKÉ
  • MASICKA  
  • SHENSEEA 
  • VYBZ KARTEL 
  • YUNG BREDDA 


BEST JAZZ ACT 

  • CKTRL 
  • EGO ELLA MAY 
  • EZRA COLLECTIVE 
  • KOKOROKO 
  • NUBYA GARCIA 
  • YAZMIN LACEY 

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ACT, SUPPORTED BY BEMA & MIXMAG 

  • FKA TWIGS 
  • JAZZY 
  • KILIMANJARO 
  • PINKPANTHERESS
  • SALUTE
  • SHERELLE 

BEST GOSPEL ACT, SUPPORTED BY PREMIER GOSPEL 

  • ANNATORIA 
  • DC3
  • FAITH CHILD 
  • IMRHAN 
  • SONDAE  
  • STILL SHADEY

BEST PRODUCER 

  • INFLO
  • JAE5 
  • MILES CLINTON JAMES 
  • P2J 
  • SAMMY SOSO
  • ZACH NAHOME 

What do you make of the nominations this year?

There’s also still a chance of grabbing a seat to watch the 2026 MOBO Awards ceremony in person at Co-op Live if you’re interested.

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You can find out more about the remaining ticket availability right HERE.

Huge artists announce intimate charity gigs for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
It’s not the only British awards do toasting a big week either…

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)

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Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Biffy Clyro Manchester Co-op Live gig key info

It’s nearly time for one of the biggest gigs of the year, and we’re lucky we didn’t have to wait that long, as Biffy Clyro are playing the Co-op Live arena in Manchester this month – and we have all the important info.

For instance, 2026’s rock calendar really isn’t wasting any time, as the Scottish legends are playing this coming weekend.

Despite being one core member down for this year’s tour in support of their 10th studio album, Futique, we have no doubt that the Kilmarnock icons will still give us both barrels, and you can always guarantee a Manc audience will give it back just as good as they get.

Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about Biffy Clyro at the Co-op in Manchester on 17 January 2026.

biffy clyro manchester set times

Gig guide | Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live – all the key info

Before we do anything else, it’s worth reminding/informing anyone who didn’t already know that this show will unfortunately not be involving James Johnston, who has dropped out of the tour.

One-half of the ginge twins shared a heartbreaking statement online last month, but the announcement was met with an outpouring of support; whilst it’s a shame, we hope he’ll be on the mend very soon.

After kicking straight into fifth gear already, we have no doubt his bandmates will honour him this Saturday and won’t disappoint when it comes to energy.

Are there tickets left for Biffy Clyro in Manchester?

The gig is still going ahead as planned, though, with session bass player Naomi MacLeod stepping in for the shows and having already impressed.

Now, as for those of you wondering if there are any tickets left for Biffy Clyro‘s gig, whilst it is currently low availability, you can find a few last-minute seated options at Co-op Live.

But that’s not all…

Following a huge last-minute clamour for the show, some extra standing tickets for Biffy in Manchester have now been released; you can grab yours HERE.

Who is supporting Biffy at Co-op Live?

Now, in addition to the very exciting hardcore punk outfit, The Armed – a raucous multi-member collective formed in Detroit – who are opening up for Biffy Clyro on the Futique tour, those going to the gig are also getting another cult favourite British band.

Soft Play (who you might better remember as Slaves) are the main support for Biffy in Manchester and across the rest of the tour, and despite just being a duo, they still make A LOT of bloody noise.

slaves soft play manchester gigs
Even when they were ‘Slaves’, these boys have thrived here. (Credit: David Edgar via WikiCommons)

Biffy Clyro stage times for 2026 ‘Futique Tour’ dates

Now, as for when you can expect each of these support acts to take the stage, doors will open from 6pm, and the first warm-up performances from The Armed is due to begin around an hour later, with Soft Play following them at approximately 7:30pm.

Regarding the headliners, Biffy Clyro are scheduled to get the main event underway at roughly 8:50pm, accordingto the most recent set times posted on their social media.

The venue’s curfew is typically restricted to 11pm, giving people plenty of time to get home, but things can run over into extended hours on busy weekends like this.

‘Futique Tour’ setlist

As for what we expect the gang to play, we have the benefit of a few Futique shows having already been and gone, not to mention being very well reviewed.

We’d usually turn to the likes of the ever-trusty Setlist.fm, but luckily this time the legendary NME have done the work for us. The setlist can obviously change from night to night, but here’s a general idea:

Special Biffy Clyro Futique pop-up for Manchester show

Another rather exciting part of the pre-gig fanfare this time around is that Biffy Clyro are hosting dedicated merchandise pop-ups across the UK ahead of the band’s gigs in each city.

On for a limited-time only, we’d advise getting those ducks in a row and nailing your schedule to make sure you leave enough time to visit one if you’re interested.

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Promising everything from special edition vinyls, tees, and even more, such as exclusive even tattoo sessions, Manchester’s Biffy Clyro merch pop-up venue is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled on social media.

You can find the full list of details for over locations down below.

How to get to Co-op Live – travel advice, parking and more

Tram

For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

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Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bus

You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.

Getting there by car and parking

If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.

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The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.

Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day, though estimates will obviously vary:

  • Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
  • Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
  • Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.

There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:

  • Ashton Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
  • Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces

Walk/cycle

Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.

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Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.

For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Eva Pental (supplied)/Audio North

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Madison Beer announces massive Manchester show at Co-op Live arena

Danny Jones Danny Jones Maddison Beer Manchester gig date tickets

Yes, not long after a breakout period in her career, rising pop star Madison Beer has announced an extensive series of arena shows, including one right here in Manchester at Co-op Live.

Heading to major cities in mainland Europe before arriving here in the UK for just a pair of British shows and then moving on to North America, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter has gone from playing small rooms just a few short years ago to now playing some of the biggest rooms an artist could hope for.

Madison Beer got her first taste of fame after Justin Bieber shared her YouTube cover of Etta James’ ‘At Last’ way back in 2012, but it’s been quite the journey for the New York-born vocalist over the past decade or so.

Announcing the new tour in support of her third studio LP, Locket, which is scheduled for release later this week (16 January), Beer will be coming to Manchester in late spring.

Confirming the concert themeslves, the venue wrote: “Two-time GRAMMY-nominated, platinum-selling artist Madison Beer is heading to Co-op Live with the locket tour.

“This tour marks the first time her forthcoming new album, locket [stylised in all lowercase] will be played live for the masses.”

Best known for tracks like ‘Selfish’, ‘make you mine’, as well as her most recent singles ‘yes baby’ and bittersweet’, she has hundreds of millions of followers all over the world and across her Instagram and TikTok platforms alone.

With that in mind, booking a room as big as Co-op Live was only a matter of time, really.

Madison will be arriving in Manchester on 31 May and bringing along a trio of rotating support acts with her on the road.

As you can see, Cuban-American alt-pop singer Isabel LaRosa will be joining her fellow contemporaries on stage later this year.

Just 21 years old, she might be a few years behind Beer, but she still has a passionate cult following of her own, even at such a young age.

The pre-sale window for Madison Beer’s Manchester gig at Co-op Live will be available to official members from 10am on Monday, 19 January, or by signing up/pre-ordering via her mailing list.

As for general admission, tickets will go live at the same time the following Wednesday (21 Jan). You can get ready to grab yours HERE.

It really is a great time for pop music once again – so much so that even themed nights centred entirely around smash-hit albums are being put on…

You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Justin Higuchi (via Flickr)/Press shot (supplied)

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