Full list of The African Artists Nominated for the 2026 Grammys

For the second year running, African music is not just attending the Grammys it’s commanding the spotlight. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards nominations have dropped, and a wave of African talent is making history once again, with Nigeria leading the charge.

From Burna Boy’s multi-category dominance to rising stars like Ayra Starr and Tyla, and East Africa’s own Eddy Kenzo, the continent is showing depth, range, and undeniable global pull. With Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion now standing tall in Grammy categories, Africa isn’t just being recognized it’s reshaping the global music conversation.

1.Burna Boy: Nigeria 

Nominated for Best African Music Performance (for the song “Love download”) and Best Global Music Album (for his album No Sign of Weakness). A global Afrobeats superstar, Burna Boy is a Grammy veteran  this year marks roughly his 11th career nomination. In fact, with multiple nods in 2026, he’s the most-nominated African artist this year. He won his first Grammy in 2021 for Twice As Tall, and 2026 extends his streak as the first African artist nominated in seven consecutive Grammy ceremonies.

Burna’s continued presence on the nominee list cements his status as an African music icon driving Afrobeats onto the world stage.

2.Davido (David Adedeji Adeleke)  Nigeria 

Nominated for Best African Music Performance (for “With You,” his soulful collaboration with Omah Lay). This Afrobeats hitmaker earned multiple Grammy nominations for the first time last year, and his latest nod shows his momentum isn’t slowing.

It’s a milestone first performance-category nomination for Davido, coming after a decade of pan-African hits. As one of Afrobeats’ leading stars, he’s finally getting his Grammy due a point he celebrated with fans online, calling it a “glory to God” moment while dancing to “With You” in excitement.

3.Ayra Starr : Nigeria 

Nominated for Best African Music Performance (for “Gimme Dat,” her infectious Afropop duet with Wizkid) . At just 21, this rising singer-songwriter earns her first-ever Grammy nomination, underscoring the new wave of young African talent making global waves. Ayra Starr’s nod is a breakthrough moment  she’s among the youngest Nigerian artists to be recognized by the Academy, reflecting how fresh female voices are shaping Afrobeats’ future.