Nigeria Dominates 68th Grammy Africa Nominations as Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr Lead Historic Night
Nigeria has emerged as the dominant force in the African music landscape at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, with the country’s biggest stars securing major nominations ahead of the ceremony scheduled to hold on Sunday in Los Angeles. The development marks another milestone in the global rise of Afrobeats and reinforces Nigeria’s growing influence within the international music industry.
Burna Boy leads a record-breaking African contingent, as Nigerian acts account for the strongest presence from the continent. Alongside him, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid and Omah Lay have all earned recognition, further solidifying Nigeria’s position at the centre of Africa’s global music expansion. This year’s nominations reflect a shift from token acknowledgement to a deeper appreciation of African creativity and cultural depth.
The 2026 Grammy ceremony will also deliver a historic honour to the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who is set to receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition highlights Fela’s enduring impact on modern music and his role in shaping sounds that continue to influence artists across generations and continents.
Beyond competition, the nominations signal a broader evolution in how African music is perceived. The Recording Academy’s focus appears to be moving past celebrity appeal toward the foundation and storytelling embedded in the music itself. This change is evident in the recognition of works that draw from heritage, emotion and musical history.
Nigerian-born global icon Sade Adu adds emotional weight to this year’s nominations with her return after years away from the spotlight. Her nominated song, Young Lion, marks her first release in over a decade and stands out for its minimalist production and deeply personal message. The track, dedicated to her son, reflects a renewed emphasis on substance over spectacle at this year’s awards.
Ayra Starr’s Gimme Dat, featuring Wizkid, has also gained attention for its creative sampling of Wyclef Jean’s 911. The track bridges generations of global sound while showcasing the refined production style associated with Nigerian music executives. Similarly, Davido’s recent work draws inspiration from highlife legend Bright Chimezie, blending archival Nigerian sounds with contemporary appeal and introducing cultural history to a younger digital audience.
The Best African Music Performance category remains one of the most competitive, featuring Burna Boy’s Love, Ayra Starr’s Gimme Dat, and the Davido and Omah Lay collaboration With You. However, public conversation around the category shifted after Omah Lay openly dismissed the importance of awards, choosing instead to publicly support Davido. His comments reflect a growing sentiment among younger African artists who prioritise solidarity and cultural authenticity over Western validation.
Outside Nigeria, Beninese music legend Angélique Kidjo has also drawn attention in the global music categories with her orchestral reinterpretation of Jerusalema. Her version transforms the once viral hit into a layered and emotionally rich performance, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most respected musical voices.
As the 68th Grammy Awards approach, the narrative surrounding African music continues to evolve. Rather than seeking acceptance, African artists are now shaping the conversation on their own terms. With Nigeria leading the charge and African legends receiving long-overdue recognition, this year’s ceremony underscores a moment where the global music industry is no longer discovering Africa, but finally listening.
