Dave Leads 2026 Urban Music Awards With 10 Nominations

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Dave goes into the 2026 Urban Music Awards as the most-nominated act, with ten nominations for the 24th edition of the London ceremony, which takes place on December 15. The nominations were published on October 8. RAYE , Jim Legxacy and Olivia Dean follow with eight each, while Skepta has seven, BANG Premier reports. Where Dave's nominations come from Dave's ten include Artist of the Year (UK) and Best Album for The Boy Who Played the Harp. Three more come from "Raindance", his collaboration with Tems , which is up for Best Single, Best Collaboration and Best Music Video. His "3X" collaboration with Jim Legxacy appears in Best Collaboration and Best Viral Breakthrough Song. Dave is also in Best Male Act and Best Hip Hop Act. Skepta's seven include recognition for "Victory Lap" with Fred again.. and PlaqueBoyMax, which is nominated for Best Single, Best Collaboration and Best Viral Breakthrough Song. Artist of the Year (UK) The headline category is packed: Central Cee, Dave, Finn Askew, FLO, J Hus, Jim Legxacy, Lola Young, Nemzzz, Odeal, Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, RAYE, Scorcher and Skepta. Best Album The ten album nominees are Central Cee's Cant Rush Greatness, DAMEDAME's Dreams on the Passenger Seat, Dave's The Boy Who Played the Harp, FLO's Access All Areas, Griminal's Grimace, Kojey Radical's Dont Look Down, Little Simz's Lotus, Nia Archives ' Emotional Junglist, Olivia Dean's The Art of Loving and RAYE's This Music May Contain Hope. Ezra Collective, D Block Europe, NSG, SAULT and FLO are among the Best Group nominees. A strong African presence The awards widen their international reach this year, with categories for artists from the USA, Africa, the Caribbean, France, Asia and South America. Best Afrobeats Act lists Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, Moliy, Mr Eazi, Rema, Shallipopi, Tems, Tiwa Savage and Wizkid. Artist of the Year (Africa) brings in a wider spread of the continent: Abigail Chams, Ayra Starr, Black Sherif, Burna Boy, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Fally Ipupa, Fuse ODG, Moliy, Mr Eazi, Rema, Tems and Wizkid. Mr Eazi and Moliy's "Comfort" is up for Best Single, a track we covered on its release . Fuse ODG's "54 Countries" is also in that category, and Clean Bandit, Chloe and Omah Lay's "Company" is in Best Collaboration. Key facts Edition: 24th Urban Music Awards Ceremony: December 15, 2026, London Most nominations: Dave (10) Eight each: RAYE, Jim Legxacy, Olivia Dean Seven: Skepta Voting: open now at urbanmusicawards.org/voting Broadcast: streamed live on Channel One TV US and global names Artist of the Year (USA) includes Cardi B, Clipse, Doechii, Kehlani, Kendrick Lamar, Leon Thomas, Mariah the Scientist, Papoose, SZA and Tyler, The Creator. Best International Act features Ayra Starr, Bad Bunny, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Tems, Tyla and Vybz Kartel, among others. The organisers also name Vybz Kartel, Aya Nakamura, Diljit Dosanjh, Bad Bunny and Karol G among nominees across the regional lists. "Now it's over to the fans" Cressida Oppenheimer, vice president of the Urban Music Awards, said: "For 24 years, the Urban Music Awards have championed the artists, producers, DJs and creators who drive our culture forward. This year's nominees show just how strong, diverse and global urban music has become." "Now it's over to the fans: get voting, and we'll see you on 15 December for a night of elegance, fashion, performances and the biggest celebration of the year," she added. Radio and DJ categories The nominations also recognise the broadcasters behind the music. The radio list includes Kenny Allstar for Radio 1's Rap Show, DJ Edu for 1Xtra's AfroSounds Show, Seani B for 1Xtra's Dancehall Show, Manny Norte for The Norte Show on Capital XTRA, and TEEQS for New Music Mondays on The Beat London 103.6 FM. Little Simz's "Flood", with Obongjayar and Moonchild Sanelly, and Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's "Rein Me In" are also among the listed nominees. What's next Public voting is open on the awards' website. Tickets and VIP tables for the gala, which includes a red carpet, live performances, the ceremony and an official afterparty, are on sale through the official site. Several of the same names are also in the running at the Mercury Prize on October 22. Sources: BANG Premier | Urban Music Awards