African Music Stars Eyeing 2027 Grammys: Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr Submit Works

Nigerian music stars Davido, Asake, Tems, and Ayra Starr have submitted a diverse array of albums and songs for consideration across numerous categories at the upcoming 2027 Grammy Awards. These submissions, which span Afrobeats, global music, pop, R&B, rap, and music video genres, aim for recognition in prestigious fields such as Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and the newly established Best African Music Performance category. Details of these entries were reported by the Grammy-focused platform The Grammy Guru, ahead of the official nomination announcement for the 69th edition of the awards.

The Recording Academy's voting members are currently in the process of determining which of these submissions will advance to the nominations stage. The first-round voting period, which commenced on 12 October 2026 and concludes on 22 October 2026, is critical for determining the final nominees. The full list of nominees is scheduled to be unveiled on 16 November 2026. It is important to note that while these artists have submitted their works, submission does not guarantee a nomination, as all entries must pass the Academy's eligibility screening and voting process.

Davido has put forward his sixth studio album, 'Oriadé', for consideration in four categories: Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), and Best Album Cover. His track 'B4 B4', featuring Mayorkun and FOLA, is in contention for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best African Music Performance. Other collaborations include 'Nakupenda' (featuring TxC, Zlatan, Shoday, Scotts Maphuma, and Al Xapo) for Song of the Year and Best African Music Performance, and 'Le Show' (featuring Ayra Starr and French Montana) for Best African Music Performance. Additionally, 'I Know Who I Be', featuring JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay, has been submitted for Best Music Video. Davido previously received three Grammy nominations at the 66th edition in 2024 for his album 'Timeless' and songs 'Unavailable' and 'Feel'.

Asake has submitted his album 'M$NEY' for Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. His song 'Gratitude' is entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best African Music Performance. His collaboration with Wizkid, 'Jogodo', is also in contention for Best African Music Performance, while 'Worship', featuring DJ Snake, has been submitted for Best Dance Pop Recording. Asake also has a history of Grammy nominations, having been recognized in the Best African Music Performance category for 'Amapiano' (featuring Olamide) and 'MMS' (featuring Wizkid).

Tems is seeking recognition across various genres with her project 'Love Is a Kingdom', submitted for Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), and Best Album Cover. Her song 'What You Need' is a submission for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Solo Performance, Best R&B Song, and Best Music Video. The collaboration 'Raindance' with British rapper Dave is entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. Tems' 'Big Daddy' is also under consideration for Best African Music Performance, and 'I Think You're Special', featuring Justin Bieber, has been submitted for Best R&B Duo/Group Performance. Tems boasts an impressive Grammy record as one of Nigeria's most successful artists, with two wins: Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her contribution to Future's 'Wait for U' (featuring Drake), and Best African Music Performance in 2025 for 'Love Me JeJe'.

Ayra Starr has submitted her album 'Starrgirl' for Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical), and Best Album Cover. Her collaboration 'Heaven Baby' with Zayn is entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. 'Who's Dat Girl', featuring Rema, is submitted for Best Global Music Performance. Other entries for Best African Music Performance include 'Ms. Paper' (featuring Theodora), 'Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)' (featuring Angélique Kidjo), 'Le Show' (featuring Davido and French Montana), and 'Show Me' (featuring Latto). Ayra Starr's 'Tornado' has been entered for Best Music Video, and 'Wo Man - Edit', featuring Peggy Gou, for Best Dance Pop Recording. She previously received Grammy nominations in the Best African Music Performance category for 'Rush' and 'Gimme Dat' (her collaboration with Wizkid).

In addition to these prominent artists, Seun Kuti has reportedly submitted his tracks 'Na Dem' and 'Problems' for consideration in the Best African Music Performance category. These submissions underscore the growing participation of Nigerian artists in the Grammy cycle and the continued global recognition of African music across diverse categories. Other international artists reportedly submitting works for the 2027 Grammys include Charli XCX and RAYE from the UK, Karol G and Peso Pluma from Latin America, YOASOBI and Kenshi Yonezu from Japan, and Filipino girl group BINI, while notable acts like BTS, Stray Kids, and Drake are reported to have opted out.

The Recording Academy's Online Entry Process for the 2027 Grammy Awards ran from 7 July to 21 August 2026, allowing eligible recordings released between 31 August 2025 and 28 August 2026 to be submitted. Entries were made by eligible Recording Academy members and registered media companies. Following the submission period, the Academy’s Awards Department and genre screening committees meticulously review entries to verify eligibility and ensure appropriate category placement. The nomination process is driven by votes from eligible Recording Academy voting members, including artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, and other music professionals. The top five entries typically become nominees in most categories, while Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist each feature eight nominees. Final-round voting to determine the winners will take place from 10 December 2026 to 7 January 2027. The 69th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is slated for 7 February 2027, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast on ABC, Disney+, and Hulu.