Aitch & Myles Smith at MOBOs
Aitch and Myles Smith are headlining the MOBO Awards 2026, which are being held in Manchester for the first time at the Co-op Live arena [https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/aitch-myles-smith-confirmed-big-33555234]. This highlights Manchester's growing importance in the UK music scene this year.
The MOBO Awards, celebrating "Music of Black Origin," were established in 1996 by Kanya King to recognize achievements in genres like hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, reggae, and gospel. The first ceremony was held in London, with the first award going to Baby D for Best Dance Act. Kanya King was awarded a CBE in 2018 for her contributions to music and culture. Aitch, born Harrison James Armstrong in Manchester in 1999, gained recognition in 2018 with "Straight Rhymez". His debut album, "Close to Home," reached number two on the UK Albums Chart in 2022. In 2025, he participated in "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" and recently collaborated with Calum Scott on "Unsteady". Myles Smith, born Myles Michael Smith-Thompson in Luton in 1998, is known for blending folk, country, and pop. Smith gained prominence in 2022 through TikTok covers, leading to a record deal with Sony Music. His single "Stargazing" reached number four on the UK charts in 2024 and earned him the Brit Rising Star Award in 2025. Co-op Live, located on the Etihad Campus in Manchester, opened in May 2024 with a capacity of 23,500. It's the UK's largest indoor arena and a music-first venue with advanced acoustics and a design intended to create an intimate atmosphere. The arena boasts 32 bars and restaurants, plus 12 lounges.
