What Nigerians, Africans need to know about 2026 Grammy Awards

Music lovers across the world are counting down to one of the biggest nights in entertainment — the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled to hold on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrates the best music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025, and highlights creativity across genres including pop, rap, global music, jazz, and R&B.

For Nigerians and Africans, this year’s Grammys are especially meaningful. Several standout stars from the continent have earned nominations, marking another moment of global recognition for African music and creativity.

Nigeria Leads the African Representation

This year, five major Nigerian artists secured nominations — an indication of the country’s influence on the global music scene. Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Omah Lay all received nods ahead of the February awards.

Burna Boy, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, earned a double nomination:

• Best African Music Performance for “Love”
• Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness

Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration “With You” was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category, showcasing the power of Nigerian collaboration on the world stage.

Ayra Starr and Wizkid also shine with their track “Gimme Dat”, which is up for Best African Music Performance.

More African Voices in the Mix

Beyond Nigeria, other African artists also made waves. South African star Tyla’s song “Push 2 Start” is a strong contender in the same category, and Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo collaborated with Mehran Matin on “Hope & Love,” earning international recognition as well.

African representation at the Grammys reflects a broader shift: the continent’s music is no longer a regional influence but a global cultural force. Artists are not only nominated — they’re shaping sound, trends, and audiences worldwide.

What to Expect at the Ceremony

The 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ for international audiences. While global superstars like Kendrick Lamar lead the full nominations list overall, the African contingent adds a distinct flavour to this year’s show, representing a blend of roots and innovation.

For fans in Nigeria and across Africa, all eyes will be on February 1, not just to celebrate the nominees, but to cheer on a generation of artists who have elevated African sound on the world stage.