As the 68th Grammy Awards draw near on February 1, 2026, Nigerian artists are once again in the global spotlight, armed with multiple nominations and a serious shot at making history.
From Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena to streaming playlists worldwide, Afrobeats and contemporary Nigerian sounds are commanding attention like never before.
Leading the charge is Burna Boy, whose single “Love” earned him a nod for Best African Music Performance, while his album No Sign of Weakness vies for Best Global Music Album. With this, he becomes the first Nigerian artist to notch five Grammy album nominations, cementing his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential musical exports.
Following closely are fellow heavyweights Davido, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay, whose tracks like “With You” (Davido feat. Omah Lay) and “Gimme Dat” (Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid) dominate the Best African Music Performance category. Their presence underscores Nigeria’s growing dominance in a Grammy space created to showcase the continent’s global musical impact.
While Nigerian acts enjoy strong representation, the competition is fierce. South Africa’s Tyla, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo, and global heavyweights across other categories ensure that nominations are only the first hurdle. Wins, though challenging, remain within reach for those who combine artistry with momentum.
What’s undeniable is that Nigerian music has moved beyond participation, it’s influencing global trends, breaking records, and shaping Grammy conversations. With seasoned veterans and rising stars on the roster, 2026 promises to be one of the most compelling years yet for Nigerian artists, and potentially, a historic one for Afrobeats on the world’s biggest music stage.
