Nigerian artists are set to take centre stage at the 68th Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 1, 2026, with five nominees across major categories in a strong showing for Afrobeats on the global platform.
The nominations highlight the continued international recognition of Nigerian music and its expanding global reach.
Burna Boy Leads with Dual Nominations
Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy received two nominations this year: “Love” in the Best African Music Performance category and “No Sign of Weakness” in the Best Global Music Album category.
This marks another major Grammy moment for the singer, who remains one of Nigeria’s most recognized global music exports.
African Giants’ projects are no longer treated as cultural exports as they are being reviewed and discussed alongside the biggest albums in the world.
At this stage, Burna Boy is not just part of the movement, he is the blueprint.
Davido Returns to Grammy Spotlight
Afrobeats star Davido earned a nomination for “With You” featuring Omah Lay in the Best African Music Performance category.
The nomination places Davido back in the Grammy spotlight and adds to his list of international recognitions.
The recognition reflects more than one hit song as it highlights a career built on staying power, global touring, and a deep connection to fans across continents.
Ayra Starr Represents the New Generation
Fast-rising star Ayra Starr is nominated for “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid, marking another major milestone in her fast-rising international career.
The nomination reflects her growing presence on the global music scene.
Wizkid Adds Another Grammy Moment
Global star Wizkid also appears among this year’s nominees through his feature on “Gimme Dat.” The recognition adds to Wizkid’s long-standing global profile and history with major international awards.
Though already an established international figure, Bigwiz’s continued Grammy presence reinforces his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most influential exports, with a catalogue that has shaped global pop and R&B sounds over the past decade.
Omah Lay’s Emotional Sound Gets Recognition
Singer-songwriter Omah Lay earns Grammy recognition for his contribution to “With You.” Known for his introspective style and emotionally driven music, Omah Lay’s nomination highlights the expanding range of Afrobeats, showing the genre’s ability to connect globally through mood and storytelling and not just rhythm.
This marks another significant international moment for the artist known for his distinctive sound and global fanbase.
Fela Kuti to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will be posthumously honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award during the Special Merit Awards Ceremony ahead of the main event, joining legends such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon.
The award recognises his lasting influence on global music and his role in shaping Afrobeat as a genre.
The honour bridges generations and reminds the world that today’s Afrobeats explosion was built on decades of fearless creativity and cultural resistance.
What This Means For Afrobeats
This year’s nominations place Nigerian artists in multiple competitive Grammy categories, increasing their visibility across international media, streaming platforms, and global touring markets.
For Afrobeats, the nominations reflect the genre’s continued presence within major global award platforms and its position as a consistent contributor to international music conversations.
For Nigeria’s music industry, the recognition further establishes the country as a leading force in Africa’s global music export, with artists securing nominations alongside major international acts.
A Major Night for Nigerian Music
The 68th Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, will spotlight Nigerian artists in multiple categories, reinforcing the country’s growing presence in global music conversations.
Regardless of the outcome, Nigeria’s representation at this year’s Grammys marks another defining chapter in the international journey of Afrobeats.