African music is stepping onto the world stage in a major way and the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations list proves it. From mega-stars like Burna Boy and Davido to legends like Angélique Kidjo, and also to wave-makers like Tyla and Ayra Starr, Africa is undoubtedly a center stage.
Here’s a focused look at the African songs and artists nominated this year, nominations by Category:
Best Global Music Performance
Jerusalema — Angélique Kidjo
Eoo — Bad Bunny
Cantando en el Camino — Ciro Hurtado
Shrini’s Dream (Live) — Shakti
Daybreak — Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
Inmigrante y Que? — Yeisy Rojas
Best African Music Performance
Love — Burna Boy
Gimme Dat” — Ayra Starr & Wizkid
With You — Davido featuring Omah Lay
Hope & Love — Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
Push 2 Start — Tyla
Best Global Music Album
Chapter III: We Return to Light — Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
No Sign of Weakness — Burna Boy
Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo — Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia
Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) — Shakti
Sounds of Kumbha — Siddhant Bhatia
Éclairer le monde – Light the World — Youssou N’Dour
The list is a nod to the continent’s growing musical influence as African artists are no longer sidelined but stand shoulder to shoulder with global icons.
These nominations highlight how Africa is no longer just present but leading. Burna Boy holds nominations across both African-specific and global categories. While Angélique Kidjo, an enduring African icon, continues to earn recognition with “Jerusalema” in the global category.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony is set for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
