2026 Grammy Awards: Burna Boy, Angelique Kidjo, Davido, Tyla, Ayra Starr & More Leads Africa’s Charge

Africa takes center stage at the 2026 Grammy Awards! See the full list of African nominees including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Tyla, Ayra Starr, Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour, and Eddy Kenzo — proof that African music continues to rule the global stage.

The 2026 Grammy Awards nominations are here — and Africa’s sound is echoing louder than ever across the global stage. From Afrobeats to Amapiano, and from Dakar to Lagos, this year’s nominations prove that African music continues to shape the rhythm of the world.

Let’s dive into the categories where African artists are shining this year:

Best Global Music Performance

Nominee: Angélique Kidjo — “Jerusalema”

The legendary Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo returns to the Grammys spotlight with her soulful rendition of “Jerusalema.” A spiritual and deeply uplifting song, it’s a powerful reminder of her ability to merge African roots with universal messages of hope. Kidjo, already a five-time Grammy winner, continues to prove why she’s one of the continent’s most enduring global ambassadors.

Best African Music Performance

This category — introduced just last year — continues to celebrate Africa’s rhythmic diversity and global influence. The 2026 lineup features some of the continent’s biggest stars, bridging generations and genres:

• Burna Boy — “Love” The African Giant is back with yet another emotionally charged anthem. “Love” blends Afrofusion and soft rock undertones, showing Burna’s unmatched versatility and introspection.
• Davido ft. Omah Lay — “With You” A smooth, romantic collaboration between two Nigerian powerhouses. “With You” captures the tenderness of Afro-R&B, balancing Davido’s commanding energy with Omah Lay’s delicate emotion.
• Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin — “Hope & Love” Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo joins forces with Iranian musician Mehran Matin for a cross-cultural masterpiece. “Hope & Love” embodies unity — combining African percussion with Persian melodies to deliver a heartfelt global message.
• Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid — “Gimme Dat” The celestial girl teams up with Big Wiz for an irresistible Amapiano-infused groove. “Gimme Dat” is youthful, electric, and flirtatious — proving once again that Ayra Starr is Africa’s new queen of pop, and Wizkid remains her perfect sonic counterpart.
• Tyla — “Push 2 Start” Following her 2024 Grammy win for “Water,” South Africa’s Tyla keeps her foot on the gas. “Push 2 Start” is a sleek Amapiano-pop fusion that radiates confidence and futuristic energy — cementing her as a global pop phenomenon.

Best Global Music Album

Two giants lead the way in this prestigious category:

• Burna Boy — “No Sign Of Weakness” Burna’s latest album is a fearless journey through sound and emotion. Combining political consciousness with personal reflection, the project blends reggae, Afrobeats, and alternative influences, redefining what global music can be.
• Youssou N’Dour — “Éclairer Le Monde (Light the World)” The Senegalese icon returns with a deeply spiritual album that lives up to its name — Light the World. Fusing Wolof rhythms with orchestral arrangements, Youssou’s voice remains as timeless as ever. His nomination symbolizes Africa’s enduring influence on the soul of global music.

Africa’s Continued Rise on the Global Stage

The 2026 Grammy nominations showcase Africa’s unstoppable momentum. From Kidjo’s legendary grace to Tyla’s futuristic sound, and Burna Boy’s consistent excellence, African music is no longer just a global trend — it’s the heartbeat of modern music.

As the world awaits Grammy night, one thing is clear: The future of global music is African.