The 2026 GRAMMY Awards nominations are here, and African music continues to dominate the global stage. The Recording Academy on Thursday unveiled the nominees for the Best African Music Performance category, spotlighting some of the continent’s biggest stars and the lineup is pure fire.

The nominees include Burna Boy for “Love”, Davido featuring Omah Lay for “With You”, Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin for “Hope & Love”, Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid for “Gimme Dat”, and South African sensation Tyla for “PUSH 2 START.”

Each of these artists has made remarkable contributions to Africa’s global music footprint this year, blending Afrobeats, amapiano, and soulful melodies that have shaped the continent’s cultural identity.

Africa Takes Center Stage at the 2026 GRAMMYs

For Burna Boy, this nomination continues his streak as one of Africa’s most decorated GRAMMY nominees. The Nigerian superstar has earned multiple nods in recent years, including wins for Twice As Tall and a history-making run in global categories.

Davido, whose Timeless album reshaped modern Afrobeats, earns another prestigious recognition, this time alongside Omah Lay for their collaboration “With You.” The track’s lush production and emotional depth have made it a favorite across streaming platforms.

Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s “Gimme Dat” stands out as one of the most anticipated duets of the year, combining Starr’s fearless vocals with Wizkid’s signature calm delivery. Meanwhile, Tyla, who took home last year’s award for “Water,” returns stronger with “PUSH 2 START,” a high-energy amapiano-inspired anthem.

Ugandan legend Eddy Kenzo joins forces with Mehran Matin on “Hope & Love,” delivering a heartfelt message of unity and resilience that resonates globally.

The Best African Music Performance category, first introduced in 2024, has quickly become one of the most competitive and influential in the GRAMMYs lineup. This year’s nominations reaffirm Africa’s undeniable influence on the world’s soundscape.

Fans can tune in to watch the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards live on CBS and Paramount+ on February 1, 2026, as the world waits to see who takes home the golden gramophone.