UK Music: Only 20% of Mobo Nominees From Outside London
Manchester is having a moment. Following the success of hosting the BRIT Awards earlier this month, the city is now center stage for the 2026 MOBO Awards, with the 6 Music Festival arriving shortly after. This influx of major music events signals a growing recognition of Manchester as a vital hub within the UK’s creative landscape.
For local artists like July 7, a producer and songwriter who has worked with American artists Travis Scott and Soulja Boy, the spotlight is a welcome validation. “Manchester is known for how unique it is, how vibrant and multicultural it is as a city,” he told BBC Newsbeat. “So what’s better than having a spotlight shone on the artists for doing exactly that?”
However, despite the growing recognition, a significant imbalance persists within the UK music industry. July 7 points out that the industry remains “very much London-based,” creating logistical and financial hurdles for artists outside the capital. The increased travel costs and planning required to navigate a London-centric industry add to the challenges faced by creatives in cities like Manchester.
Data released today underscores this disparity. An analysis of this year’s MOBO nominations reveals that approximately 20% of UK nominees are based outside of London – a slight improvement over last year, but still demonstrating a clear geographical concentration of industry recognition. This figure highlights the ongoing struggle for artists from other regions to gain equal footing within the national music scene.
The MOBO Awards themselves are celebrating a milestone this year, marking their 30th anniversary of championing Music of Black Origin. Beyond the awards ceremony, the organization actively supports emerging artists and young people through curated events and initiatives throughout the year. This year’s event, taking place on at the Co-op Live arena, is particularly significant as it marks the first time the MOBOs have been held in Manchester.
July 7’s involvement in the MOBO Fringe, an event hosted by the awards in each host city, has been a positive experience. He described it as “incredible” to showcase his operate and connect with others in the industry. However, he believes a more fundamental shift is needed to address the visibility gap for artists across the UK.
“I would like to see more music studios and major labels stationing themselves outside of London,” July 7 stated. Establishing a greater physical presence of industry infrastructure outside the capital could help level the playing field and provide more opportunities for artists from diverse regional backgrounds.
This year’s MOBO Awards are being hosted by American hip-hop icon Eve and acclaimed comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi. The event will be live-streamed via Amazon Music UK’s official Twitch account, beginning at on .
The nominations this year are led by Little Simz, Olivia Dean, Kwn, and Jim Legxacy, each receiving four nominations. Other shortlisted artists include Kojey Radical, AJ Tracey, Myles Smith, and EsdeeKid, representing a diverse range of talent within the UK’s Black music scene. The awards promise a night of electrifying performances and powerful tributes, celebrating three decades of musical innovation and cultural impact.
The move to Manchester, following the BRIT Awards’ recent visit, underscores a broader trend of decentralizing major cultural events and recognizing the creative energy thriving outside of London. While challenges remain in achieving true industry-wide equity, the spotlight on Manchester and the voices of artists like July 7 signal a growing momentum towards a more inclusive and geographically diverse UK music landscape.