Nigerian music has once again asserted its growing dominance on the global stage as five Nigerian artists secured nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, reinforcing the country’s position as a major force in contemporary world music.
The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled to hold on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States. Nigerian artists will compete in some of the most closely watched categories, particularly those recognising African and global music, a testament to the continued international appeal of Afrobeats and related genres.
Leading Nigeria’s charge at this year’s Grammys is Burna Boy, who earned two nominations and continues to solidify his status as one of Africa’s most consistent and globally respected recording artists. The Grammy-winning star is nominated for Best African Music Performance for his track “Love” and Best Global Music Album for his latest body of work, No Sign of Weakness.
Burna Boy’s double nomination extends an impressive Grammy run that has seen him transition from a breakout African act to a mainstream global star. Over the years, he has become a regular fixture at the Grammys, earning recognition not only for his music but also for his role in projecting African sounds, narratives, and identity to a worldwide audience. His latest album nomination further underscores his ability to deliver commercially successful projects that resonate with critics and global audiences alike.
Davido also makes a notable return to the Grammy conversation with a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. His song “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, earned the nod, marking another significant milestone in his career. The nomination reinforces Davido’s longevity and relevance in an industry that has evolved rapidly over the past decade.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of Afrobeats’ global expansion, Davido’s nomination reflects both his enduring popularity and his ability to collaborate with a new generation of artists while maintaining his signature sound. “With You” has enjoyed strong international reception, further validating its recognition by the Recording Academy.
Ayra Starr, one of Nigeria’s fastest rising stars, also secured a Grammy nomination, continuing her remarkable ascent in the global music industry. She earned a nod in the Best African Music Performance category for “Gimme Dat,” her collaboration with Wizkid. The nomination highlights her growing influence beyond Africa and her ability to hold her own alongside established global stars.
Ayra Starr’s recognition at the Grammys underscores the increasing prominence of female voices in Afrobeats and Nigerian music more broadly. Since her emergence, she has been praised for her distinctive sound, confident artistry, and crossover appeal, positioning her as one of the leading figures of the genre’s new generation.
Wizkid, through his collaboration with Ayra Starr on “Gimme Dat,” adds yet another Grammy nomination to his already illustrious career. The multiple award-winning artist remains one of Africa’s most decorated and influential musicians, with a track record of international collaborations and chart-topping releases.
Wizkid’s latest nomination further reinforces his role as a bridge between African music and the global mainstream. Over the years, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats, blending it seamlessly with R and B, pop, and global sounds, while maintaining a strong African identity.
Omah Lay completes the list of Nigerian nominees, earning recognition through his feature on Davido’s “With You.” The nomination marks another major career milestone for the singer, whose emotive style and introspective songwriting have won him a growing international following. His inclusion among the nominees reflects the Grammys’ increasing recognition of collaborative works and the depth of talent within Nigeria’s music scene.
Beyond the competitive categories, the 2026 Grammy Awards will also feature a historic moment for African music. Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to be honoured in this prestigious category.
The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026, a day before the main Grammy event. Fela will be honoured alongside global music icons including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon, placing him firmly among the most influential artists in music history.
Fela’s posthumous recognition is widely seen as a landmark moment, not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole. As the creator of Afrobeat, Fela’s influence transcends music, encompassing political activism, cultural expression, and social commentary. His work laid the foundation for many of the sounds and artistic freedoms that contemporary Nigerian artists now enjoy on the global stage.
Industry observers note that the combination of multiple Nigerian nominations and Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award reflects the Grammys’ growing acknowledgement of Africa’s contribution to global music. It also highlights the evolution of Afrobeats from a regional genre to a dominant force shaping international pop culture.
The 2026 nominations continue a trend of increasing African representation at the Grammys, particularly since the introduction of dedicated African music categories. Nigerian artists, in particular, have emerged as leading beneficiaries of this expanded recognition, driven by their global streaming success, sold out international tours, and high profile collaborations.
As anticipation builds ahead of the awards ceremony in Los Angeles, fans across Nigeria and the African diaspora are hopeful that this year’s Grammys will further cement the country’s musical legacy. Whether through competitive wins or historic honours, Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Grammys signals a continuing era of global relevance and cultural influence for its music industry.
