MOBO Awards 2026: Pharrell Williams to Receive MOBO Global Songwriter Award at 30th Anniversary Ceremony

As the MOBO Awards 2026 gears up for a milestone celebration, one of music’s most influential hitmakers is set to take centre stage.

Moments ago, it was announced that Pharrell Williams will be honoured with one of the most prestigious honors of the night.

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The hitmaker will be bestowed with the MOBO Global Songwriter Award at this year’s ceremony, which marks the platform’s 30th anniversary.

The event takes place on March 26 at Co-op Live in Manchester and will be hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi.

The Virginia-born producer and singer will be recognized for a songwriting catalogue that has shaped global Pop, Hip-Hop and R&B for decades.

Also being celebrated on the night is the likes of Slick Rick, who will receive the MOBO Lifetime Achievement Award. The Hip-Hop legend will join forces with Estelle for a special collaborative performance highlighting his enduring influence on the genre.

Elsewhere, Shenseea joins the performance lineup alongside previously announced acts including Olivia Dean, FLO, Tiwa Savage, Aitch and Myles Smith.

The ceremony will also feature a special ‘MOBO Salutes: Grime 25’ medley curated by DJ Target with appearances from Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E.

The show will livestream globally on the Amazon Music UK Twitch channel at 8PM GMT on March 26, with a BBC One special, ‘MOBO Awards 2026: Access All Areas,’ airing the following night.

Kanya King CBE, MOBO, said in a statement:

“MOBO has always been about recognising the cultural architects as well as the rising stars shaping the future. Pharrell Williams’ songwriting genius has influenced the sound of global music for decades, while Slick Rick’s storytelling laid the foundations for generations of hip hop artists. To celebrate that legacy with a special performance alongside Estelle is a real full-circle moment for us. And with Shenseea representing the vibrant new wave of Caribbean music on the world stage, this year’s show captures exactly what the MOBO Group has stood for over the last 30 years.”