Nigeria’s Afrobeats superstars have once again taken the global spotlight as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay all bagged nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards. The announcement, made by the Recording Academy in Los Angeles, marks another major milestone for African music on the international stage.
Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations — Best Global Music Album for his latest project “No Sign of Weakness” and Best African Music Performance for his hit single “Love.” This continues his impressive Grammy streak, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s most decorated global music ambassadors.
Davido, who received his first Grammy nomination in 2024, returned to the list this year with “With You,” a collaboration with Omah Lay, which earned a nod for Best African Music Performance. The duo’s smooth blend of Afrobeats and R&B has made waves internationally, earning massive streaming numbers and rave reviews.
Ayra Starr and Wizkid also scored a joint nomination in the same category for their viral single “Gimme Dat,” a sultry fusion of Afropop and soul that has topped charts across Africa and beyond. The recognition makes Ayra Starr one of the youngest Nigerian female artists to earn a Grammy nomination, while it marks another career highlight for Wizkid, who already holds a Grammy win for his collaboration on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl.
The Best African Music Performance category, introduced by the Recording Academy to spotlight the continent’s growing influence, is dominated this year by Nigerian acts — a clear testament to the country’s status as the heartbeat of African music.
Industry analysts say the nominations reflect the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats and its expanding footprint across the globe. “Nigeria isn’t just participating in global music anymore — it’s defining it,” said music journalist Adaeze Nwachukwu. “These artists have turned cultural pride into a global sound.”
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Fans around the world are already buzzing with excitement, eager to see if this new wave of Nigerian talent will turn nominations into historic wins.
With five of its brightest stars in contention, Nigeria’s dominance at the 2026 Grammys sends one clear message — Afrobeats is not a moment; it’s a movement that continues to shape the future of world music.
