The Recording Academy has unveiled the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations, spotlighting a rich mix of international superstars, breakthrough talents, and African heavyweights with Nigeria once again making a strong showing on the world stage.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in global music released between August 31, 2024, and August 30, 2025.

This year’s awards also introduce two new categories Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover marking another evolution in the prestigious ceremony.

Leading the pack is Kendrick Lamar with nine nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, who scored seven nods, including her fifth Album of the Year nomination for “MAYHEM.”

Nigerian Stars Shine Bright

Nigeria continues to dominate the African and Global Music categories, with Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid earning nominations alongside continental legends like Angélique Kidjo (Benin), Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Tyla (South Africa) and Youssou N’Dour (Senegal).

Burna Boy leads the Nigerian contingent with two nominations:

• Best African Music Performance (“Love”)
• Best Global Music Album (“No Sign of Weakness”)

Davido also earned a nod for Best African Music Performance with “With You” featuring Omah Lay, while Ayra Starr and Wizkid scored a joint nomination for “Gimme Dat.”

Other contenders in the category include Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”) and Tyla (“Push 2 Start”).

In the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy faces stiff competition from Youssou N’Dour (“Éclairer le Monde – Light the World”), Angélique Kidjo, and India’s Anoushka Shankar (“Chapter III: We Return to Light”).

Highlights From the 2026 Grammy Nominations

Album of the Year

• Bad Bunny – DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
• Justin Bieber – Swag
• Sabrina Carpenter – Man’s Best Friend
• Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out
• Lady Gaga – Mayhem
• Kendrick Lamar – GNX
• Leon Thomas – Mutt
• Tyler, The Creator – Chromakopia

Record of the Year

• Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”
• Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
• Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
• Rosé and Bruno Mars – “APT.”

Song of the Year

• Lady Gaga – “Abracadabra”
• Bad Bunny – “DtMF”
• Kendrick Lamar with SZA – “Luther”
• Sabrina Carpenter – “Manchild”
• Billie Eilish – “Wildflower”

Best African Music Performance

• Burna Boy – “Love”
• Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You”
• Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
• Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
• Tyla – “Push 2 Start”

Best Global Music Album

• Burna Boy – No Sign of Weakness
• Youssou N’Dour – Éclairer le Monde – Light the World
• Anoushka Shankar – Chapter III: We Return to Light
• Shakti – Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
• Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia – Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo

African Excellence on the World Stage

The 2026 Grammys reaffirm Africa’s growing global influence in music, especially as Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion sounds continue to dominate charts and playlists worldwide.

With Burna Boy eyeing another Grammy victory and Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid securing key nominations, Nigerian music’s global momentum remains unstoppable.

The 68th Grammy Awards will air live worldwide on February 1, 2026, promising electrifying performances and unforgettable moments from the biggest names in global music.

2026 GRAMMYS: See The Full Nominations List

Indian rap superstar Badshah and Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido have joined forces for a global collaboration titled “Wallah Wallah”, released on October 31, 2025.

The high-energy track seamlessly blends Desi hip-hop and Afrobeat rhythms, creating a vibrant cross-cultural sound that celebrates luxury, charm, and flirtation. Clocking in at just two minutes, “Wallah Wallah” was produced under Badshah’s label and is now available across all major streaming platforms.

Within hours of its release, the single began trending simultaneously in India and Nigeria, and quickly climbed to No. 2 on Apple Music’s New Music Daily chart in China shows its international appeal.

Music critics and fans alike have praised the collaboration for bridging Indian and African musical traditions, marking a fresh milestone in the growing global fusion scene.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

South African producer DJ Maphorisa, Nigerian DJ Tunez, and Afrobeats star Wizkid have released a new collaborative project titled “South Gidi”, blending Afrobeats and Amapiano influences across three tracks.

The EP features “Money Constant” with Mavo, “Fiesta Forever” led by Wizkid, and “Abangani” featuring South African singer Daliwonga.

Described by the artists as a bridge between Lagos and Johannesburg’s music scenes, “South Gidi” highlights the growing collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa’s creative industries.

Fans have shared clips and reactions across social media platforms since the release, calling it one of the most ambitious cross-border Afrobeats–Amapiano projects of the year.

The Mercury-winning rapper explores faith, legacy, and social consciousness on his latest project.

British rapper Dave, born David Omoregie, has released his long-awaited third studio album, The Boy Who Played the Harp, via Neighbourhood Recordings on October 24, 2025.

The 10-track project features a mix of soulful introspection and sharp social commentary, with collaborations from James Blake, Tems, Kano, and Jim Legxacy.

The album delves into themes of faith, personal growth, identity, and cultural tension, showing Dave’s evolution since his 2021 sophomore album We’re All Alone in This Together.

Among the standout tracks, “175 Months” questions ethical consumption and fame in hip-hop, while “Chapter 16” delivers a moving reflection on legacy and loss. However, some lyrics have drawn debate over perceived cultural references a conversation Dave appears to welcome as part of his art’s provocation.

Despite the mixed reactions, early reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the album’s mature lyricism, experimental sound design, and cohesive storytelling.

On social media, The Boy Who Played the Harp has generated over 890,000 interactions within its first 48 hours, further cementing Dave’s status as one of the most influential voices in contemporary British rap.

Check it out

Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK has released the official music video for his hit single ‘Big Time’, featuring Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, on October 23, 2025. The video offers a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the duo’s creative process, blending studio moments, casual hangouts, and live performances that highlight their genuine chemistry.

‘Big Time’ made a powerful entrance earlier this month, debuting at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria on October 5, marking ODUMODUBLVCK’s biggest chart success to date. The visual complements the track’s laid-back but confident tone, showcasing Wizkid’s subtle presence and effortless synergy with the rapper.

Fans have praised the collaboration for its authenticity and unfiltered energy, viewing it as a refreshing moment in the Afrobeats scene.

However, some critics have described the video as “unpolished”, suggesting it resembles a visualizer rather than a traditional music video a move some interpret as intentional to emphasize raw creativity over glossy production.

With the release of ‘Big Time,’ ODUMODUBLVCK continues to build his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and fearless rap voices, while Wizkid’s participation underscores his ongoing support for emerging artists and diverse sounds within Afrobeats.

WATCH VIDEO

Follow BONA NAIJA for more