The Recording Academy has announced the nominees for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, marking another significant year for African music, particularly from Nigeria. Afrobeats continues its global ascent, with prominent Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid receiving nominations in major categories. This sustained recognition underscores the evolution of Afrobeats from a nascent wave into a full-fledged cultural movement, demonstrating its enduring rhythm that resonates worldwide.

Leading the nominations is Burna Boy, who secured nods for Best African Music Performance with his song “Love” and Best Global Music Album for “No Sign of Weakness.” These nominations extend his remarkable streak, marking his seventh consecutive GRAMMY nomination since 2020. Davido also returns to the GRAMMYs stage with “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, which is nominated in the Best African Music Performance category. Ayra Starr earns a nomination alongside Wizkid for their effortlessly catchy tune “Gimme Dat,” a track that has garnered widespread popularity on dance floors globally.

Beyond Nigeria, other African artists have also been recognized. Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin received a nomination for “Hope & Love,” while South Africa’s Tyla earned a nod for “PUSH 2 START,” following her massive success with “Water.” The legendary Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo continues to demonstrate her enduring influence, securing yet another nomination for “Jerusalem” in the Best Global Music Performance category.

The 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The event will be broadcast globally on CBS and streamed via Paramount+.

The nominees in specific categories include:

Best African Music Performance:

• Love – Burna Boy
• With You – Davido featuring Omah Lay
• Hope & Love – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
• Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr Featuring Wizkid
• PUSH 2 START – Tyla

Best Global Music Album:

• Sounds Of Kumbha – Siddhant Bhatia
• No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy
• Eclairer le monde – Light the World – Youssou N’Dour
• Mind Explosion – Shakti
• Chapter III: We Return To Light – Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
• Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo – Caetano Veloso And Maria Bethânia

Best Global Music Performance:

• EoO – Bad Bunny
• Cantando en el Camino – Ciro Hurtado
• JERUSALEMA – Angélique Kidjo
• Inmigrante Y Que? – Yeisy Rojas
• Shrini’s Dream – Shakti
• Daybreak – Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar