Nigerian Music Stars Shine in 2026 Grammy Nominations
The global music stage is set for another spectacular celebration of African talent as Nigeria's biggest music exports secured multiple nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy's recent announcement revealed that Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay have all earned spots in major categories, marking a significant moment for the Afrobeats genre.
African Music Performance Category Dominated by Nigerian Talent
The Best African Music Performance category showcases an impressive lineup of Nigerian artists competing for the prestigious award. The nominations include:
- Burna Boy with his hit single "Love"
- Davido featuring Omah Lay for their collaboration "With You"
- Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid for "Gimme Dat"
This strong representation demonstrates the growing international recognition of Nigeria's music industry and its ability to produce world-class talent that resonates with global audiences.
Burna Boy's Continued Global Ascendancy
Burna Boy continues to establish himself as Nigeria's foremost musical ambassador, breaking beyond African-focused categories with a nomination for Best Global Music Album for his 2025 release No Sign of Weakness. This achievement marks another milestone for the artist who previously won a Grammy in 2021 for Twice as Tall in the same category.
His unique ability to blend African rhythms with global sounds has positioned him as a consistent force in international music conversations, keeping Nigeria at the forefront of the global music map.
Long-Awaited Recognition and First-Time Nominations
For Davido, the nomination represents a well-deserved acknowledgment of his decade-long contribution to building Afrobeats' global presence. His collaboration with Omah Lay on "With You" not only earned him his first Grammy nomination but also marks a significant moment for his collaborator Omah Lay, who receives his first-ever Grammy nomination.
The inclusion of Ayra Starr and Wizkid's "Gimme Dat" highlights the evolving landscape of Afrobeats, showcasing the new generation of talent shaping the genre's future. This nomination adds to Ayra Starr's growing accolades, following her previous nomination for "Rush" at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
When and Where to Watch the Ceremony
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The event promises to bring together the finest musical talents from across the globe, with Nigerian artists positioned as strong contenders in multiple categories.
This impressive showing by Nigerian artists underscores the country's growing influence in shaping global music trends and celebrates the vibrant creativity emerging from the African continent.
