The nominees for the 2026 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance have been announced, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between the genre’s established global titans and its most exciting new cross-continental partnerships.
Now in its third year, the category continues to highlight the dynamic and ever-evolving soundscape of African music, with this year’s list featuring a potent mix of solo anthems, high-profile duets, and genre-blending fusions.
The 2026 nominees include:
Burna Boy’s ‘Love’, Davido & Omah Lay’s ‘With You’, ‘Hope & Love’ by Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin; ‘Gimme Dat’ by Ayra Starr & Wizkid and ‘Push 2 Start’ by Tyla.
The category sees the return of familiar Grammy heavyweights.
Burna Boy, a previous winner, is back with the introspective “Love,” while the collaboration between Ayra Starr and the legendary Wizkid on “Gimme Dat” represents a powerful union of two generations of Nigerian pop royalty.
Similarly, the team-up of Davido and Omah Lay on “With You” brings together two of Afrobeats’ most distinctive voices.
Adding a distinct international flavor is “Hope & Love” from Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin, a collaboration that signals the genre’s increasing pan-African and global dialogues.
Perhaps the most intriguing nominee is Tyla with “Push 2 Start.” The South African star, who won the inaugural award in 2024 for “Water,” returns with a track that suggests a continued evolution of her signature pop-infused Amapiano sound, proving her first win was no fluke and establishing her as a formidable force.
This year’s nominees capture the current state of African music,” noted a music critic. “It’s a scene confident in its solo stars but also eagerly exploring new creative possibilities through collaboration.
The blend of iconic names and fresh partnerships makes this one of the most unpredictable and exciting categories to watch.
The winner of the Best African Music Performance award will be announced at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony, celebrating the continued ascent and creative innovation of African artists on the world’s biggest musical stage.
