Nigeria’s Afrobeats superstars Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr are turning up the heat ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards, each officially submitting their chart-topping projects for consideration in multiple global categories.
Their latest moves signal a collective ambition — not just to dominate the Best African Music category, but to challenge for music’s most prestigious global honours.
Leading the charge, Wizkid has entered his critically acclaimed album Morayo for Album of the Year and Best Global Album. His soulful single “Piece of My Heart” is also in contention for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best African Music Performance.
Not stopping there, Wizkid’s “Kese (Dance)” and his collaborative anthem “Billionaires Club” featuring Olamide and Darkoo were also submitted for Best Music Video and Best African Music Performance, respectively — further solidifying his global push.
Grammy winner Burna Boy, known for his consistent excellence on the world stage, is making another bold return. His latest project, No Sign of Weakness, has been submitted for Album of the Year and Best Global Album, while his heartfelt single “Love” competes for Best African Music Performance.
In addition, Burna Boy’s cross-continental collaboration “Kampé III” with Joé Dwèt Filé targets the Best Global Music Performance category — showcasing his commitment to blending African soundscapes with international appeal.
Afrobeats’ “Celestial Being,” Ayra Starr, is equally in the spotlight. The Rush crooner entered her sultry hit “Hot Body” for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while her duet with Wizkid, “Gimme Dat,” is contending for Best African Music Performance.
Her submissions reinforce her growing reputation as one of the most promising young voices taking Afrobeats into the next era of global recognition.
The trio’s Grammy entries reflect a larger narrative — Nigerian artists are no longer content with regional acclaim. With the Best African Music Performance category now officially recognised by the Recording Academy, artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr are bridging the gap between African rhythms and mainstream global recognition.
If even one of these submissions lands a nomination — or a win — it could further cement Afrobeats’ place on the world stage, continuing Nigeria’s musical ascent as a powerhouse of global pop culture.
