Kartel nabs Best Caribbean Music Act at MOBO Awards

King of Dancehall Vybz Kartel has been named Best Caribbean Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards.

The ceremony took place on Thursday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

The God Is The Greatest hitmaker topped a competitive shortlist that featured fellow Jamaicans Masicka, Shenseea, Lila Ike and Ayetian, along with Trinidad and Tobago soca artiste Yung Bredda.

Kartel was also in contention for Best International Act, but the award went to Nigerian singer Ayra Starr. He previously received the MOBO Impact Award in 2025.

The other nominees in that category were Cardi B, Clipse, Gunna, Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Mariah the Scientist, Moliy and Tyla.

Shenseea also took to the stage as a first-time performer at the ceremony. She first made MOBO history in 2021 when she became the first woman to win Best Reggae Act, and later secured the Best Caribbean Music Act award in 2025.

British actor Stephen Graham, who is of Jamaican descent, won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for his role in Adolescence.

British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean, who is of Jamaican and Guyanese descent, won Best Female Act, Song of the Year for Man I Need and Album of the Year for The Art of Loving.