MOBO Announces the 2026 Nominees for Best Caribbean Music Act

Vybz Kartel, two-time MOBO Award winner Shenseea, and Masicka lead the nominations for Best Caribbean Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards. They’re joined by soulful singer Lila Iké, rising dancehall sensation Ayetian, and Trinidadian soca star Yung Bredda

L-R: Ayetian, Shenseea, Vybz Kartel and Masicka set to battle for the Best Caribbean Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards.

Jamaican dancehall and reggae artistes, including dancehall giant Vybz Kartel, two-time MOBO Award winner Shenseea, dancehall powerhouse Masicka, reggae songstress Lila Iké, fast-rising star Ayetian, and Trinidadian soca sensation Yung Bredda, have been announced as the nominees for Best Caribbean Music Act at the upcoming 2026 MOBO Awards.

The nominations were officially revealed by the MOBO Organisation on Thursday. This year’s ceremony will take place for the first time at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena on March 26, 2026, as part of the MOBOs’ historic 30th anniversary celebrations.

Kartel, who was honoured with the MOBO Impact Award at last year’s event, returns as a nominee, underscoring his continued dominance and influence within the music landscape. The deejay was previously nominated for Best Reggae Act in 2004, 2009, and 2010.

Meanwhile, Shenseea, who won MOBO Awards in 2021 and 2025, makes her return following a massive year, having featured on one of 2025’s biggest tracks, the remix of “Shake It To The Max.”

Masicka, one of dancehall’s most consistent forces, earns his first nomination in the category, as does rising star Ayetian, who has been gaining momentum throughout the year. Along with Yung Bredda, they’re expected to bring a fresh edge and shake up the race for voters in 2026.