Yung Bredda MOBO Nomination: Best Caribbean Act 2026

The countdown is officially on for the 2026 MOBO Awards, and the spotlight is firmly on Trinidad and Tobago. Yung Bredda MOBO nomination headlines this year’s Caribbean conversation as the soca star earns recognition in the Best Caribbean Music Act category, placing him among the region’s most influential artists.

Celebrating Music of Black Origin, the MOBO Awards continue to recognise artists shaping Black culture worldwide. This year’s ceremony features 20 categories spanning music, media, and performance. As a result, the awards remain one of the most culturally relevant events on the international music calendar.

Yung Bredda’s Historic MOBO Nomination

In the Best Caribbean Music Act category, Yung Bredda stands alone as the only non-Jamaican nominee. This distinction highlights a major milestone for soca music and its growing global reach.

The category also includes Ayetian, Lila Iké, Masicka, Shenseea, and Vybz Kartel. Notably, Ayetian earns his first MOBO nomination, while Lila Iké returns for her third. Meanwhile, Masicka receives his first nod, and Shenseea secures her fifth. Kartel, a three-time MOBO nominee, also appears in the Best International Act category following his MOBO Impact Award win last year.

A Breakout Year That Elevated Soca

Yung Bredda’s nomination follows an exceptional 2025. During the carnival season, he dominated airwaves with “Greatest Bend Ova,” widely considered one of the year’s defining soca tracks.

Beyond the Caribbean, the song gained international traction. High-profile remixes featuring American R&B and pop star Chlöe Bailey and Ghanaian breakout artist Moliy expanded its reach. Consequently, soca found new audiences across global playlists and dance floors.

What Yung Bredda’s Nomination Signals for Caribbean Music

Yung Bredda’s recognition signals a broader shift in how Caribbean music is received internationally. While reggae and dancehall continue to lead global conversations, soca is steadily gaining ground.

This nomination reflects growing interest in the genre’s energy and cultural influence. More importantly, it reinforces the Caribbean’s diversity, showing that regional sounds extend far beyond a single island or style.

Other Caribbean Highlights at the 2026 MOBO Awards

Elsewhere on the nominations list, Caribbean talent remains strongly represented. DJ AG is in the running for Best Media Personality. Meanwhile, British-Jamaican singer Olivia Dean enjoys a standout year.

Her acclaimed project The Art of Loving is nominated for Album of the Year. In addition, her track “Man I Need” earns a Song of the Year nod. She is also recognised in the Best R&B/Soul Act category.

A Global Stage Awaits

As March approaches, the 2026 MOBO Awards are shaping up to be a celebration of Black music without borders. From soca and dancehall to R&B, hip hop, and African genres, the nominations reflect a truly global sound.

For Yung Bredda, this moment represents more than a personal achievement. It signals a wider shift, one where Caribbean music continues to expand its influence far beyond the region’s shores.