The prestigious 2026 MOBO Awards has officially announced its nominees for the fiercely competitive Best Caribbean Music Act category, setting the stage for a grand celebration of Black musical excellence. The distinguished shortlist features an impressive array of talent, including dancehall titan Vybz Kartel, chart-topping artists Masicka and Shenseea, acclaimed singer Lila Ike, emerging sensation Ayetian, and Trinidad’s soca powerhouse Yung Bredda.
Marking its monumental 30th anniversary, the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards continues its enduring legacy of honoring and elevating Black music and culture across a diverse spectrum of genres. The upcoming ceremony is scheduled to be held at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena in the United Kingdom on March 26.
In a remarkable showcase of artistic prowess, British artists Olivia Dean and Little Simz, alongside Jim Legxacy and KWN, have emerged as this year’s frontrunners, each securing an impressive four nominations across various genre categories.
The nomination holds particular significance for Vybz Kartel, who was the recipient of the esteemed MOBO Impact Award at last year’s ceremony. This marks his return to the MOBO nominations list after previous recognitions in the Best Reggae Act category in 2004, 2009, and 2010. Notably, the category itself underwent a significant rebranding in 2022, evolving from Best Reggae Act to its current designation as Best Caribbean Music Act, reflecting the awards’ commitment to broader regional representation.
Adding to his accolades, Vybz Kartel has also garnered a nomination in the highly coveted Best International Act category.
For dancehall superstar Shenseea, this nomination represents her fifth MOBO recognition, further cementing her status as a consistent force in the industry. Her previous triumphs include winning Best Reggae Act in 2021 and Best Caribbean Act in 2025, alongside a Best International Act nomination in 2020.
This year’s shortlist also highlights several pivotal career milestones: Masicka celebrates his inaugural MOBO nomination, while Grammy-nominated artist Lila Ike secures her third nomination following previous nods in 2020 and 2021. The nomination marks a significant breakthrough for newcomer Ayetian, who is poised to release a new EP in February. Similarly, Trinidad’s Yung Bredda earns his first MOBO recognition following the massive regional success of his hit soca single ‘The Greatest Bend Ova,’ which dominated airwaves throughout the past year.