Meet the five Nigerians nominated for the 2026 Grammys

The Nigerian Takeover: 2026 Grammy Awards
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards represent a historic peak for Nigerian music, as the industry’s biggest stars prepare to take center stage in Los Angeles. From record-breaking hits to legendary honors, here are the Nigerians dominating the conversation this year.
The Frontrunners

Davido: Fresh off the massive success of his album 5ive, Davido returns to the Grammy stage. His lead single “With You” (featuring Omah Lay) is a top contender after shattering records in 2025 as the highest first-week streamed track on Spotify Nigeria with 4.98 million streams.

Burna Boy: Continuing his unprecedented streak, the “African Giant” secures multiple nominations this year. He is recognized for “Love” in the Best African Music Performance category and his project No Sign of Weakness, which is up for Best Global Music Album.

Ayra Starr: The “Sabi Girl” further proves her global dominance. She earns a nomination for “Gimme Dat”, a high-energy collaboration that has solidified her position as a leading voice in the new wave of international Afrobeats.
Featured Excellence
Wizkid: The Grammy veteran adds another credit to his legendary catalog through his collaboration on “Gimme Dat”. His presence on the list reinforces his enduring influence and his knack for creating world-class pop hits.

Omah Lay: Making his mark on the global stage, Omah Lay is recognized for his soulful contribution to Davido’s “With You”. The nomination is a testament to how his unique, vulnerable sound has successfully crossed international borders.

A Historic Milestone: Fela Kuti
In a poignant tribute to the roots of the movement, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Afrobeat pioneer will be recognized alongside legends like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Paul Simon. The ceremony will take place at the Special Merit Awards on the eve of the main event, marking a full-circle moment for African music history.
Global Impact
This year’s shortlist confirms that Afrobeats is no longer just a guest at the table—it is the host. With sounds, trends, and streaming records all being driven by Nigerian talent, the 2026 Grammys are a celebration of a genre that has officially conquered the world.
Watch Live: Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles.