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Olivia Dean shines at MOBO Awards with three major wins
Dean dedicated her work to Black feminist writer Bell Hooks
British singer Olivia Dean emerged as the standout star at the 2026 MOBO Awards, taking home three major honours: best female act, album of the year, and song of the year for her chart-topping hit Man I Need.
The ceremony, marking its 30th anniversary, was held at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena and celebrated excellence in Black music across genres.
Dean, who has enjoyed a breakthrough year, also performed on the night, adding to her growing list of accolades after recent wins at the Grammy Awards and Brit Awards.
Among other winners, Raye secured video of the year for Where Is My Husband!, while Central Cee claimed best hip-hop act. Ezra Collective triumphed in the jazz category.
The night also featured performances from artists including Flo, Slick Rick, Estelle, Tiwa Savage, Aitch and Myles Smith.
Veteran rapper Slick Rick was honoured with the lifetime achievement award, celebrating a career spanning more than four decades.
Meanwhile, American music icon Pharrell Williams received the global songwriter award, recognising hits such as Happy and Get Lucky.
In other categories, Jim Legxacy won best male act, while actor Stephen Graham was named best performance in a TV show/film for Adolescence. Media personality of the year went to Niko Omilana.
Accepting her album award, Dean dedicated her work to Black feminist writer Bell Hooks, crediting her influence on themes of love and connection explored in the project.
