Rising Ugandan sensation Joshua Baraka has secured a major international spotlight after landing a nomination for the 2026 MOBO Awards in the highly competitive Best African Music Act category.
The announcement, made on January 15, 2026, celebrates the “Wrong Places” hitmaker’s breakout year, with his soulful Afro-fusion sound and global appeal earning him a spot alongside Africa’s biggest names.
The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, now in its 30th anniversary year, honour excellence in Black music genres including Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B, grime, reggae, jazz, gospel, and more. The ceremony will take place on March 26, 2026, at Co-op Live in Manchester, UK—the first time the event is hosted in the city.
Baraka will compete against a powerhouse lineup in the Best African Music Act category:
• Adekunle Gold (Nigeria)
• Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
• Davido (Nigeria)
• Moliy (Ghana)
• Rema (Nigeria)
• Shallipopi (Nigeria)
• Tiwa Savage (Nigeria)
• Tyla (South Africa)
• Wizkid (Nigeria)
This nomination marks a historic moment for Ugandan music on the global stage, highlighting Baraka’s rapid rise following hits from his acclaimed project Juvie and international collaborations. Fans and industry insiders are hailing it as validation of Uganda’s growing influence in contemporary African sounds.
The MOBOs continue to champion diverse Black talent, with this year’s shortlist reflecting the genre’s worldwide evolution. Winners will be revealed at the Manchester gala, with tickets already on sale via the official MOBO website.
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