Home / Arts and Entertainment / MOBO Awards 30th Anniversary: Pharrell & Slick Rick Honored
MOBO Awards 30th Anniversary: Pharrell & Slick Rick Honored
11 Mar
Summary
- Pharrell Williams receives the MOBO Global Songwriter Award.
- Slick Rick to be honored with the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award.
- The 2026 MOBO Awards celebrate 30 years in Manchester on March 26.
The 2026 MOBO Awards are preparing for a significant celebration of their 30th anniversary on March 26 in Manchester. Organizers announced that Pharrell Williams will receive the prestigious MOBO Global Songwriter Award for his enduring influence on global music. Hip-hop pioneer Slick Rick is slated to accept the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a recognition of his foundational contributions to the genre.
The ceremony, to be held at Manchester's Co-op Live, will be hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi. Slick Rick is scheduled for a special collaborative performance with Estelle, highlighting his iconic hip-hop journey. Jamaican artist Shenseea is also confirmed to perform, making her U.K. debut since her 2024 tour. The event will feature a diverse lineup including Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, and Myles Smith, alongside a special grime medley.
MOBO Group founder and CEO Kanya King CBE emphasized the awards' commitment to honoring both established figures and emerging talents. She highlighted Pharrell's decades-long impact and Slick Rick's role in shaping hip-hop storytelling. The MOBOs, first held in 1996, remain a pivotal event celebrating Black music and culture.
