The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are officially on the horizon, with Sunday, February 1st, 2026, being the crucial date for enthusiasts. While global attention often zeroes in on the prestigious “Big Four” categories, a significant focus from the African continent is firmly fixed on the Best African Music Performance category. This particular award is far more than a mere recognition; it serves as a grand celebration of the distinct sounds that have journeyed from local African streets to captivate the global stage. This year’s “Big 5” contenders present an exceptional fusion of seasoned musical giants and the “new school” leaders who are currently exerting a powerful influence worldwide.

Among the highly anticipated nominees is “Gimme Dat,” a captivating collaboration between Ayra Starr and Wizkid. This dynamic duo, affectionately known as the “Celestial Being” and the “Starboy,” reunited for the track, which was released on April 25th, 2025, and hailed as pure magic. The song ingeniously samples the iconic “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, masterfully blending jazzy reggae beats with sensual Afrobeats rhythms. “Gimme Dat” is a confident and alluring track where Ayra Starr explicitly outlines her desires in a lover—specifically, peace of mind and unwavering 100% commitment—while Wizkid delivers a characteristically breezy and seasoned verse. Ayra Starr’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric; after becoming the youngest Nigerian artist to receive a Grammy nomination last year, she returns with even greater momentum. Wizkid, a Grammy winner himself for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl,” imbues the track with his veteran “Big Wiz” aura, positioning this collaboration as a formidable contender for the coveted golden gramophone.

Burna Boy, the renowned “City Boy,” is once again a central figure in the Grammy conversation with his track “Love.” This standout piece is featured on his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,” which was released on July 10th, 2025. Produced by Dre Skull, “Love” is an exquisitely introspective Afro-fusion composition that thoughtfully explores profound themes of loyalty, self-protection, and genuine devotion. The song reveals a more vulnerable side of Burna Boy, as he transitions from his typical high-energy “pon di beats” style to a mid-tempo, soulful reflection on who truly remains steadfast when external lights dim. Burna Boy is no stranger to the Recording Academy; this latest nomination elevates his career total to an impressive 13 nods over seven consecutive years. Having already secured the Best Global Music Album award in 2021 for “Twice as Tall,” he enters this race as a heavyweight veteran, bringing significant experience and gravitas.

“With You,” a compelling track by Davido featuring Omah Lay, is another highlight, released on April 18th, 2025, as a prominent inclusion on Davido’s fifth studio album, “5ive.” This song is celebrated as a masterclass in modern Highlife, drawing its inspiration from Bright Chimezie’s 1984 hit “Because of English.” It features a distinctive repeating guitar loop and an effortless, flirtatious charm that proves irresistible to listeners. Intriguingly, Davido initially contemplated discarding the song, a decision that fans are undoubtedly grateful he reconsidered. Omah Lay’s poignant and heartfelt delivery perfectly complements Davido’s tender performance, ensuring “With You” quickly became a fan favorite. This nomination significantly bolsters Davido’s burgeoning Grammy momentum, following his historic three-nomination run last year, while for Omah Lay, it represents another well-deserved nod that firmly reinforces his position as one of the genre’s most distinctive and influential voices.

South African sensation Tyla is setting her sights on a back-to-back victory with “PUSH 2 START,” having already made history as the inaugural winner of this category in 2024 with her hit song “Water.” “PUSH 2 START” was unveiled on October 11th, 2024, as part of her TYLA + deluxe album. The song ingeniously utilizes car metaphors to skillfully navigate the exhilarating thrills of attraction and the intricacies of commitment. It embodies a flawless fusion of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B, and has already achieved considerable success, dominating both the Billboard and UK Afrobeats charts.

Adding a distinctive and unique cross-cultural flavor to the category is “Hope & Love,” a collaborative effort between Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Iranian artist Mehran Matin. Released on August 13th, 2025, this song stands as an uplifting Afrobeat anthem specifically crafted to unite hearts and bridge divides across international borders. Featuring the infectious and joyful energy of the Masaka Kids Africana, the track serves as a powerful reminder that music is indeed a universal language, shining its brightest light even in moments of darkness. Eddy Kenzo continues to be a pioneering figure for East African music on the global stage. This is not his first encounter with the Grammys; he previously made history in 2023 as the first Ugandan artist ever to be nominated. His return to the category with Mehran Matin unequivocally demonstrates that his mission to “spread love” through the profound power of music is far from concluded.

It is worth noting that the Best African Music Performance category is a relatively new addition to the Grammy Awards. It was officially created in June 2023 and first awarded in 2024, specifically established to recognize recordings that skillfully utilize unique local expressions from across the diverse African continent. The Recording Academy instituted this dedicated space with the explicit aim of acknowledging the massive and undeniable global impact of various African genres, including, but not limited to, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, and Bongo Flava, thereby celebrating their growing influence worldwide.