The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, will shine a spotlight on African talent through the Best African Music Performance category.

This award celebrates the continent’s unique sounds, from local streets to global stages, highlighting the growing worldwide impact of African music.

This year’s nominees mix established stars with rising artists who are shaping the sound of today’s global music scene.

The Big 5 Contenders

The nominees include Ayra Starr & Wizkid for “Gimme Dat,” a blend of jazzy reggae and sensual Afrobeats; Burna Boy with his introspective Afro-fusion track “Love”;Davido & Omah Lay with the Highlife-inspired “With You”;Tyla with “PUSH 2 START,” an Amapiano-pop-R&B fusion; and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin with the uplifting “Hope & Love,” uniting African and international sounds. Each track demonstrates artistry, cultural depth, and global appeal.

A Celebration of African Culture

The Best African Music Performance category, launched in 2023 and first awarded in 2024, honors recordings that showcase Africa’s musical innovation.

From Afrobeats and Amapiano to Highlife and Bongo Flava, the award acknowledges the continent’s cultural influence and recognizes artists who bring African music to the global stage.