Nigerian music is once again commanding global attention as five Nigerian artists have officially earned nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards, reinforcing the country’s growing influence on the world music stage. The nominations, announced ahead of the 68th edition of the Grammys, place Nigeria firmly at the centre of international music conversations as Afrobeats continues its global expansion.

The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Nigerian acts competing across key categories that highlight the genre’s evolution and worldwide appeal.

Leading the Nigerian contingent is Burna Boy, who emerged as the most nominated Nigerian artist this year with two nominations. He is nominated for Best African Music Performance with his song Love and also earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album with No Sign of Weakness. The nominations extend Burna Boy’s reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent performers at the Grammys, building on his previous wins and nominations over the years.

Davido also makes a strong return to the Grammy stage with his song With You featuring Omah Lay, which earned a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. The track has enjoyed wide global reception and further cements Davido’s presence among Afrobeats’ elite artists consistently recognised by the Recording Academy.

Rising Afrobeats star Ayra Starr secured another Grammy nod with Gimme Dat featuring Wizkid, also nominated in the Best African Music Performance category. The nomination reflects Ayra Starr’s continued ascent as one of the most influential voices of her generation, while also adding another milestone to Wizkid’s already decorated international career.

Through the same collaboration, Wizkid picks up yet another Grammy nomination, reinforcing his status as one of Nigeria’s most successful global music exports. Despite intense competition, Wizkid remains a recurring presence in Grammy conversations, with his influence spanning continents and genres.

Completing Nigeria’s list of nominees is Omah Lay, whose feature on Davido’s With You earns him Grammy recognition once again. The nomination marks another significant moment for the singer, whose emotive sound and international collaborations continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Beyond the competitive categories, this year’s Grammy season also brings a historic milestone for Nigerian music. Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will receive a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to be honoured in this category. The award will be presented at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026, a day before the main Grammy event.

Fela’s recognition places him alongside global legends such as Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon, underscoring his enduring influence on music, activism, and cultural expression worldwide. Decades after his passing, Fela’s impact continues to shape contemporary sounds and inspire generations of artists across Africa and beyond.

Reactions to the nominations have flooded social media, with fans celebrating the growing presence of Nigerian artists on global award platforms. Timelines quickly filled with congratulatory messages, predictions, and debates as supporters rallied behind their favourites ahead of Grammy night.

As the countdown to February 1 continues, anticipation remains high over how Nigerian artists will fare on music’s biggest night. Whether through competitive wins or historic honours, the 2026 Grammy Awards are shaping up to be another landmark moment for Nigerian music on the global stage.