 |
| Image: Facebook |
As anticipation builds toward the 68th Grammy Awards, Nigerian music is once again commanding international attention. When the prestigious ceremony takes place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Nigeria will be strongly represented, with five artistes earning nominations across key categories. Their presence not only highlights individual success stories but also reflects the continued rise of Afrobeats as a global force.
Over the past decade, Nigerian sounds have steadily moved from the fringes of global pop culture to its centre. This year’s Grammy shortlist reinforces that shift, with familiar names returning and newer voices solidifying their international standing.
Burna Boy Leads Nigeria’s Charge
Burna Boy stands out as Nigeria’s most prominent contender this year, picking up two nominations. His track Love has been recognised in the Best African Music Performance category, while No Sign of Weakness earned a nod for Best Global Music Album.
At this stage of his career, Burna Boy’s Grammy appearances feel almost expected. With previous wins and multiple nominations already behind him, the African Giant continues to set the benchmark for African artistes on the world’s biggest music stage. His consistency has helped redefine how African music is perceived globally, shifting it from niche recognition to mainstream respect.
Davido Returns To Grammy Spotlight
Davido also makes a notable return to the Grammy conversation through With You, his collaboration with Omah Lay. The nomination comes at a time when the singer’s international footprint continues to expand, driven by sold-out tours, high-profile collaborations and a steady global fan base.
Released as one of the lead singles from his album 5ive, With You has enjoyed remarkable commercial success. In 2025, the song set a new Spotify Nigeria record, pulling in 4.98 million streams in its first week alone. The milestone underlines Davido’s ability to blend commercial appeal with global relevance, a balance that has kept him at the forefront of Afrobeats’ worldwide push.
Ayra Starr’s Global Moment Continues
Ayra Starr adds another chapter to her rapidly rising career with a nomination for Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid. Still relatively early in her journey, the singer has already built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising crossover stars.
Her sound, which blends pop, R&B and Afrobeats, has resonated well beyond African borders. This Grammy recognition further confirms her growing international appeal and positions her as a key figure in the next generation of Nigerian artistes shaping global pop culture.
Wizkid Extends His Grammy Legacy
Wizkid appears on the nominee list through his contribution to Gimme Dat, adding yet another Grammy-linked credit to an already decorated catalogue. With historic wins and multiple nominations in previous years, the Starboy’s influence remains deeply rooted in both Afrobeats and international pop.
Beyond awards, Wizkid’s role in opening global doors for African music cannot be overstated. His continued presence on the Grammy stage serves as a reminder of how far Afrobeats has travelled, and how central his contributions have been to that journey.
Omah Lay’s Emotional Sound Finds Global Recognition
Omah Lay completes Nigeria’s list of nominees through his feature on With You. Known for his emotionally charged songwriting and distinctive sound, the nomination signals how his music continues to resonate with audiences far beyond Nigeria.
For an artiste whose work often explores vulnerability and personal expression, this recognition marks another important step in his growing international career.
Fela Kuti To Receive Lifetime Honour
Beyond competitive categories, the 2026 Grammys will also pay tribute to one of Africa’s most influential musical figures. Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is set to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his enduring impact on music, culture and political expression.
He will be honoured alongside global icons Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon. The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony, scheduled for the night before the main Grammy event.
Afrobeats Is No Longer On The Outside
Taken together, Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2026 Grammys tells a broader story. Afrobeats is no longer pushing for entry into global conversations; it is actively shaping them. From packed arenas to record-breaking streams and major award nominations, Nigerian artistes are influencing sounds, trends and culture worldwide.
The 68th Grammy Awards will be hosted by Trevor Noah and broadcast live from Los Angeles, promising another landmark night for African music on the world’s biggest stage.
#GrammyAwards
#Ayrastarr
#Wizkid
No comments:
Post a Comment