2026 Grammys: Five Nigerians Make The Nomination List

The countdown to the 68th Grammy Awards has begun, with Nigerian music once again commanding the global spotlight. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where five Nigerian artists are nominated for some of the music industry’s most prestigious awards, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the international stage.

Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations, including “Love” in the Best African Music Performance category and No Sign of Weakness for Best Global Music Album, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent Grammy contenders. Davido returns with a nomination for “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, in the Best African Music Performance category. The track, the lead single from his 2025 album 5ive, garnered nearly five million first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria, reflecting his continued international appeal.

Ayra Starr also earns recognition with “Gimme Dat,” featuring Wizkid, in the Best African Music Performance category, while Wizkid himself adds to his Grammy legacy through the same collaboration. Omah Lay secures a nomination through his feature on Davido’s “With You,” marking another milestone for the artist whose deeply emotive music has resonated far beyond Nigeria.

In a historic development, Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti will receive a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist to earn the honor. He will be celebrated alongside music icons including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

According to Ireporter Online, these nominations reflect Nigeria’s growing prominence in global music and the continued international recognition of African artists.