Nigerian music has once again secured a prominent place on the global stage, with five Nigerian artists receiving nominations ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards. The nominations reinforce the growing international influence of Afrobeats and African music, as Nigerian acts continue to feature strongly in some of the Recording Academy’s most competitive categories.
The 68th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Nigerian artists will be contesting across major African and global music categories, further highlighting the country’s expanding footprint in the global music industry.
Leading the Nigerian contingent this year is Burna Boy, who earned two nominations. The Grammy-winning superstar was nominated for Best African Music Performance with his song “Love”, while his latest project, No Sign of Weakness, received a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category. These nominations extend Burna Boy’s reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent and globally recognised recording artists, having maintained a regular presence at the Grammys in recent years.
Davido also made a strong return to the Grammy spotlight with a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. His collaborative track “With You” featuring Omah Lay earned the nod, marking another significant milestone in his international career. The nomination further strengthens Davido’s position as one of the leading figures driving Afrobeats’ global appeal.
Rising Afrobeats star Ayra Starr also secured a nomination, continuing her impressive ascent on the world music scene. Her collaboration “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category. The recognition underscores Ayra Starr’s growing influence and her ability to compete at the highest levels of international music awards despite her relatively young career.
Wizkid, already one of Africa’s most decorated global artists, adds yet another Grammy nomination to his name through the same collaboration with Ayra Starr. His continued presence on the Grammy nominations list reflects his sustained relevance and impact in shaping the global sound of contemporary African music.
Completing the list of Nigerian nominees is Omah Lay, whose feature on Davido’s “With You” earned him a Grammy nomination. The nod marks another major achievement for the singer, whose introspective sound and genre-blending style have attracted increasing international attention over the past few years.
Beyond the competitive categories, the 2026 Grammy Awards will also mark a historic moment for African music. Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to be honoured in this prestigious category. The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Fela’s recognition is widely regarded as a landmark moment for African music history. Known for his fearless activism, revolutionary sound, and lasting influence on generations of artists worldwide, Fela’s legacy continues to resonate decades after his passing. His induction places him among a distinguished group of global music icons, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon, who will also be honoured this year.
Music industry observers say the strong Nigerian showing at the 2026 Grammys reflects the sustained global demand for Afrobeats and African sounds. Over the past decade, Nigerian artists have transitioned from regional dominance to international chart success, sold-out global tours, and regular recognition at major award platforms.
As anticipation builds toward Grammy night, fans and industry stakeholders alike see the nominations as both a celebration of individual achievements and a broader acknowledgment of Nigeria’s growing cultural influence worldwide. Whether or not the nominees take home awards, Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Grammys further cements its status as a global music powerhouse.
Source: Africa Publicity
