Several celebrities from the Caribbean music scene are running for one of the most exciting awards at the 2026 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, the Best Caribbean Music Act category. This year’s nominations show a mix of veteran performers as well as rising stars, showing just how vibrant and influential Caribbean music has become around the world.
The nominees for Best Caribbean Music Act include Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Shenseea, Lila Iké, Ayetian, and Yung Bredda. Each of these artists contributes a unique style and mood from reggae, dancehall, and soca music.
The MOBO Awards are a major event that celebrates Black music and culture, with nominees from all over the world. In 2026, the ceremony will be held on March 26 at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, United Kingdom. This year is especially meaningful because it marks the 30th anniversary of the awards.
At the heart of this year’s Caribbean category are several Jamaican stars and one artist from Trinidad and Tobago. Vybz Kartel is one of the most well-known names in dancehall and reggae. He has been nominated several times in the past and continues to influence the scene with his music and lyrical style. This year, he is also nominated in another top category, Best International Act, which shows how far his reach has grown.
Shenseea is another high-profile nominee. She has previously won Best Caribbean Music Act and Best Reggae Act at the MOBO Awards, and she is back again in 2026 with another chance to take the prize. Her strong performances and chart-topping tracks recently have made her a favorite among fans.
Masicka is receiving recognition in this category for the first time with this year’s nomination. Masicka has built a reputation for his depth in lyrics and energetic sound, as well as his capability in gaining fans across the Caribbean and beyond. His appearance on the nominees list reflects his rising influence in the music world.
Lila Iké, a Grammy-nominated artist known for her soulful voice and strong songwriting, earns her third MOBO nomination. She brings her own unique style that blends reggae with conscious lyrics and melodic hooks, a talent that makes her fans rave about her.
Ayetian and Yung Bredda are among the newcomers making waves. For both artists, this is their first MOBO nomination, and it highlights how new talent from the region is rising quickly. Ayetian is preparing to release a new EP soon, and Yung Bredda’s big soca hit last year earned him attention not just in the Caribbean, but from international fans as well.
Interestingly, Yung Bredda is the only nominee from outside Jamaica, coming from Trinidad and Tobago. His nomination shows how Caribbean music scenes beyond Jamaica are also gaining recognition globally, especially with soca’s growing popularity.
The MOBO Awards have a long history of highlighting outstanding artists in many music styles. The genres range from hip hop and R&B to reggae and soca. Winners in categories like Best Caribbean Music Act often see their careers rise even higher, gaining new fans and performance opportunities worldwide.
This year’s Caribbean lineup reflects both the legacy of established stars and the exciting energy of fresh voices in the music industry. Fans around the world will be watching very closely to see who takes home the trophy when the MOBO Awards stage lights shine in Manchester later this year.
As the 2026 MOBO Awards approaches closer, excitement continues to build around the Best Caribbean Music Act category. With a strong mix of established icons along with rising talent, the nominations show the global impact of Caribbean music. The winner will not only take home a prestigious award but will also represent the region’s creativity and culture, as well as its growing influence on the world stage.
