Nigeria Dominates 68th Grammy Africa Nominations With Five Superstars Eyeing Major Wins
Adedokun Waliyu
2 min read
African music is set to command global attention at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, with Nigeria leading the continent’s presence as five of its biggest stars secure major nominations.
The 2026 ceremony reflects a turning point for African music, moving beyond token recognition to a fuller appreciation of the continent’s diverse musical influence. While West African Afrobeats continues its global rise, the nominations also highlight the growing importance of East African sounds and broader African musical traditions.
This year’s Grammys carry deep historical significance with the posthumous recognition of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. His honour underscores the Academy’s acknowledgement of Africa’s foundational role in shaping global music.
One of the most emotionally resonant moments of the nominations comes from the return of Nigerian-born British singer Sade Adu. After more than a decade away from releasing new music, her nominated track Young Lion marks a powerful re-entry into the global spotlight. The song, a tender tribute to her son, reflects her signature minimalist style while delivering a deeply personal message of maternal love.
The nominations also reflect a growing appreciation for musical craftsmanship and heritage. Ayra Starr’s Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid, stands out as a carefully constructed bridge between generations, sampling Wyclef Jean’s 911 while showcasing the refined production style associated with Don Jazzy.
Similarly, Davido’s recent work highlights a deliberate effort to preserve Nigerian musical history. By drawing inspiration from highlife legend Bright Chimezie through the “Zigima” sound, Davido blends tradition with modern appeal, introducing classic Nigerian influences to a new generation of listeners.
The Best African Music Performance category is fiercely competitive, featuring Burna Boy’s Love, Ayra Starr’s Gimme Dat, and the Davido–Omah Lay collaboration With You. However, the cultural conversation shifted when Omah Lay publicly dismissed the importance of awards, instead expressing strong support for Davido. His comments reflect a growing Gen Z mindset that prioritises authenticity, loyalty, and artistic brotherhood over Western validation.
Beyond Afrobeats, the Global Music categories further showcase Africa’s depth. Beninese icon Angélique Kidjo earned recognition for her reimagined orchestral version of Jerusalema, transforming the viral dance hit into a powerful, layered global music statement.
With Burna Boy becoming the most-nominated African artist in Grammy history, the 2026 nominations signal that African music is no longer seeking acceptance on the world stage. Instead, the global industry is finally learning to recognise, respect, and celebrate Africa’s enduring musical leadership.
