It’s expected to be an intense battle for the Best Caribbean Act Award at the 2026 Music of Black Origins (MOBO) Awards, with Dancehall stars Vybz Kartel, Masicka Shenseea, Ayetian, Soca Sensation Yung Bredda and Reggae star Lila Iké set to duke it out for the trophy following their nominations.

The list, revealed by MOBO on Thursday, featured one of the most diverse and competitive line-ups in the category’s recent history, with all nominees having had a massive year in consideration.

Perennial favourites Kartel and Shenseea will again be “returning residents” to the category following a solid 2025.

Kartel, of course, last year’s Lifetime Award recipient, is again among the MOBO nominees after a solid comeback year, including a mega debut performance at the Wireless Fest. The “Worl Boss” is two noms this year, including Best International Act.

2025 winner Shenseea makes her return following a mega year being part of one of the biggest tracks of 2025- “Shake It To The Max” remix.

Dancehall Top striker Masicka will also be aiming for the award, having earned his first nod in the category. The GennahSyde topman, who has arguably been a standout act locally over the past year, is expected to give strong competition in the category.

He copped a MOBO for Caribbean Album of the Year for his Generation of Kings.

Iké, who has also steadily made a major impact in Reggae internationally, is being recognised for the work over the past year, which includes major hit collabs with R&B star HER and rapper Joe BadAzz. This in addition to securing her first Grammy-nom for “Treasure Self Love” album

Fellow first-timers to the category, Yung Bredda and Ayetian will provide some interesting shake-up to voters. Both had a massive breakout year and continue to rise in popularity among international fans, which could create room for potential stories given their growing influence within the diaspora