How it unfolded
As the music industry gears up for a significant event, the spotlight is firmly on Myles Smith, who has recently received his second Ivor Novello Award nomination for his song ‘Stargazing’. This announcement came just a day before the nominations were revealed on March 25, 2026, by The Ivors Academy, which is renowned for celebrating the craft and cultural impact of songs and screen compositions.
The Ivor Novello Awards, which honor the best in British and Irish songwriting, have seen a competitive year with 61 individual songwriters and composers nominated. Among them, Myles Smith stands out, not only for his talent but also for the growing recognition he is receiving in a crowded field. His nomination reflects a broader trend of emerging artists gaining traction alongside established names.
On March 26, 2026, Myles Smith is set to perform at the MOBO Awards, a prestigious event celebrating Black music and culture. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the MOBO Awards, a milestone that Kanya King CBE, the founder, acknowledges as a moment to reflect on the extraordinary breadth of talent championed over the past three decades. The event will be streamed on Twitch, allowing a wider audience to engage with the performances and celebrations.
Smith’s upcoming performance at the MOBO Awards is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with the release of his new album titled ‘My Mess, My Heart, My Life’. This album is expected to showcase his artistic evolution and further solidify his place in the music industry. The anticipation surrounding both the album and his performance reflects a growing interest in his work, which resonates with contemporary themes and experiences.
The Ivors Academy, in announcing the nominations, emphasized the cultural significance of the awards, stating, “The Ivors stand as a powerful affirmation of human creativity and the cultural value of songwriters.” This sentiment is echoed by Kanya King, who remarked that this year’s nominees are a powerful reflection of the culture and moment we are living in, highlighting the diverse musical landscape that artists like Myles Smith are navigating.
In addition to Smith, other notable nominees include Little Simz, who has received five nominations, and Lola Young with four. The recognition of these artists underscores the vibrant and evolving nature of the UK music scene, where new voices are breaking through and making their mark. The competition is fierce, but it is also a testament to the rich tapestry of talent that exists today.
As the date of the MOBO Awards approaches, excitement builds not only for Myles Smith’s performance but also for the recognition of the broader community of artists. The awards celebrate genres such as hip hop, grime, R&B, soul, dance, reggae, jazz, and gospel, showcasing the diversity and richness of Black music and culture.
Currently, Myles Smith stands at a pivotal moment in his career, with significant recognition from the industry and a platform to reach new audiences. The upcoming events are not just milestones for him but also represent a shift in how emerging artists are perceived and celebrated in the music landscape. As he prepares for the MOBO Awards and the release of his album, the implications of these developments are profound, not just for Smith but for the future of music in the UK.