renae
As part of the Manchester MOBO Awards Fringe 2026, 54 Agency, Melophile., and Transmission Archive present MOBØRIGINS: an all-day takeover at Renae on 21st March 2026.
The programme is an ode to music of Black origin and its cultural impact within the city. MOBØRIGINS brings together sound, image, conversation and live performance as a celebration of Manchester’s Black creatives, recognising those who have shaped the city’s cultural history while amplifying those building upon it today.
The event takes place across two floors at Renae, including the new upstairs room The Other People Place, named after Detroit techno pioneer James Stinson. Live music, DJ performances, conversation, artworks and archival materials work alongside one another throughout the venue to create an open and communal atmosphere.
Sound installation, imagery / artist spotlighting and archival materials are curated by 54 Agency’s Jahqira Henry and Josh Inyang, featuring recent Portrait of Britain winner Kymara Akinpelumi and Nigerian-Italian interdisciplinary artist, Denzel Omoefe Uwumarogie whose practice weaves together painting, sculpture, and community engagement.
An extensive programme of music including a live lounge and rich roster of DJs is curated by Adele Tondu of Melophile., whilst the In-Conversation series is led by Amelia Fearon of Transmission Archive.
The evening will conclude with Manchester’s best DJs presented by Melophile. to carry the energy into the night. Together, MOBØRIGINS creates a point of connection, bringing people of all backgrounds together to connect and celebrate Black excellence and collaboration.
Age Restrictions:
4pm- 8pm - under 18’s allowed (will be given a wristband)
9pm- 3am - 18+ only from 9pm onwards
Event Lineup Programme:
Live-Lounge:
Chunky
Lei Hope
RenzNiro
Lenacha
DJ/Sound Programme:
KD22LR
Sham Steele
Antoine Kiim
Sharari
Oriki
Muzii Swaks
Zeyla
Kusasa
Adele Tondu
Space Afrika
In-conversation:
DJ Paulette
Ellen Beth Abdi
Superlative
Art Not Evidence
#Merky Books
Art Exhibition;
Kymara Akinpelumi
Denzel Omoefe Uwumarogie
Market:
BlackOwned Studios + Marketplace
Get tickets and full event details
