Nigeria’s music industry has once again captured international attention as the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations were officially announced, showcasing the immense talent and global reach of Nigerian afrobeat artists. Leading the list of nominees are some of the country’s biggest music stars, including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay. The announcement underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in the global music scene and highlights the increasing recognition of African music on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
The shortlist, which was released on Friday evening, emphasizes the prominence of Nigerian artists in key categories. In the Best African Music Performance category, heavyweights Davido and Omah Lay earned a nomination for their collaboration on the track “With You.” This marks a significant milestone for Omah Lay, as it is his first-ever Grammy nomination, reflecting his rise as one of the brightest new talents in Afrobeat. Established stars like Burna Boy and Ayra Starr also made the cut with their respective hits, while Wizkid continues to cement his legacy with his collaboration on “Gimme Dat.”
Other notable nominations in the Best African Music Performance category include Burna Boy’s “Love,” the uplifting “Hope & Love” by Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin, and Tyla’s dynamic track “PUSH 2 START.” These nominations showcase a blend of emerging talent and seasoned performers, highlighting the diversity and creativity thriving within the African music landscape.
Burna Boy, already a celebrated Grammy winner, has also secured a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category for his album “No Sign of Weakness.” He will be competing against a roster of internationally acclaimed artists, including Siddhant Bhatia’s “Sounds Of Kumbha,” Youssou N’Dour’s “Éclairer le monde: Light the World,” Shakti’s “Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live),” Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar with “Chapter III: We Return To Light,” and Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia’s “Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.”[/p>
The Grammy nominations highlight a remarkable moment for Nigerian Afrobeat, signaling not only the genre’s creative evolution but also its growing acceptance and celebration on the world stage. Fans across the globe have already taken to social media to celebrate these nominations, lauding the artists for their innovation, consistency, and role in expanding the reach of African music internationally.[/p>
For many, these nominations serve as an affirmation that Nigerian music is now a dominant force globally, with Afrobeat’s infectious rhythms and distinctive sound continuing to attract a diverse audience. From collaborations with international stars to solo projects that break records, Nigerian artists are proving that they are at the forefront of shaping contemporary global music trends.
Best African Music Performance Nominees:
– Love – Burna Boy[/p>
– With You – Davido & Omah Lay[/p>
– Hope & Love – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin[/p>
– Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr & Wizkid[/p>
– PUSH 2 START – Tyla[/p>
Best Global Music Album Nominees:
– No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy[/p>
– Sounds Of Kumbha – Siddhant Bhatia[/p>
– Éclairer le monde: Light the World – Youssou N’Dour[/p>
– Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) – Shakti[/p>
– Chapter III: We Return To Light – Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar[/p>
– Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo – Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia[/p>
The 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be a historic celebration for Nigerian Afrobeat, with multiple artists vying for top honors. As the excitement builds, the nominations not only reflect the exceptional talent of these musicians but also signal the growing influence of African music on the global stage, ensuring that Nigeria continues to shine as a powerhouse in the international music industry.[/p>