MOBO Awards 2026 add icon-packed 25 years of Grime performance to Manchester lineup

The 2026 MOBO Awards have announced a fresh wave of performers for next month’s ceremony at Manchester’s Co-op Live, with the landmark MOBO Salutes: Grime 25 performance at its centre.

Marking 30 years of the MOBO Organisation and 25 years of Grime, this year’s show will feature a special grime medley curated by DJ Target, bringing together scene heavyweights Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E to celebrate the momentous anniversary of one of the UK’s most influential cultural movements.

They join previously announced performers Olivia Dean, FLO and Tiwa Savage, on the 26th March at Co-Op Live, with the night hosted by global hip-hop icon Eve and comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi.

Tickets to the 2026 MOBO Awards are live and available now. Visit Mobo.com/tickets and secure your spot! 

Image: Nick Flynn

Speaking on the significance of the moment, Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group, said: “Celebrating Grime on the MOBO stage feels incredibly meaningful. It’s one of the most important cultural movements this country has produced, and its rise reflects MOBO’s own journey - championing homegrown sounds, elevating new voices and helping take underground culture into the mainstream."

"MOBO has always stood for community as much as celebration, which is why partnerships like our work with Prostate Cancer UK are so important. Using this platform to raise awareness and drive change is a responsibility we take seriously.”

The Grime 25 medley will unite foundational voices from across the movement. Wiley - often hailed as ‘The Godfather of Grime’ - returns to the MOBO stage alongside North London mainstay Chip, South London lyricist Nolay, multi-award-winning MC Scorcher and Newham icon D Double E. Together, the performance promises to honour the genre’s pirate radio roots and mainstream breakthroughs in equal measure.

Beyond the main ceremony, MOBO is once again expanding into the city with the MOBO Fringe Festival, delivered in partnership with Manchester City Council. The week-long programme will include industry panels, live showcases and workshops, alongside the new MOBO Fringe: Manchester Talent Programme supported by PPL, championing 10 emerging artists from Greater Manchester. Applications are now open and close on 27 February at 6pm GMT, with artists invited to apply at mobo.com/fringe.

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