Best African Music Performance Nominees Announced for 2026 Grammys

The Recording Academy has officially unveiled nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking another major milestone for African music on the global stage. For the second consecutive year, the Grammys will present a standalone Best African Music Performance category  a clear signal of the genre’s growing influence worldwide.

While African artists have earned Grammys in other fields over the years, this category continues to provide a dedicated platform to spotlight the continent’s sound, culture, and creative excellence. The recognition offers African performers a rare opportunity to compete on equal footing at one of the world’s biggest music events.

A Look Back at the First Win

South African star Tyla made history last year when she won the inaugural award with her breakout hit Water. The song became a global phenomenon, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing her place in pop culture. Although Tyla won’t be defending the title this year, her victory paved the way for a new set of African contenders ready to take centre stage.

This Year’s Nominees

Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay – Sensational

Though headlined by American R&B star Chris Brown, Sensational draws heavily from Afrobeats, thanks to the contributions of Davido and Lojay. The track, lifted from Brown’s 11:11 album, blends Western pop with African rhythms, making it a standout entry in the category.

For Davido, the nomination continues a strong Grammy presence following last year’s nod, while Lojay’s smooth delivery further reinforces Nigeria’s growing global appeal. The song highlights how Afrobeats has become a collaborative force beyond the continent.

Yemi Alade – Tomorrow

Widely celebrated as one of Africa’s most influential female artists, Yemi Alade earns her first-ever Grammy nomination with Tomorrow. The track, from her Rebel Queen album, blends highlife, dancehall, and pop influences while staying rooted in African identity.

Sung in both English and Nigerian Pidgin, the Yasso-produced record captures the spirit of celebration and resilience that defines the category, making Alade a strong first-time contender.

Burna Boy – Higher

A familiar name at the Grammys, Burna Boy returns with Higher, a reflective track from his I Told Them album. Already a Grammy winner for Twice As Tall, Burna continues to prove his consistency and global relevance.

Built on amapiano-inspired production, the song pairs introspective lyrics with polished soundscapes, resonating strongly with fans worldwide. Its record-breaking streaming numbers only strengthen his case as a favourite.

Asake & Wizkid – MMS

The collaboration between Asake and Wizkid stands out as one of the most culturally rich nominations this year. MMS fuses jazz, R&B, and Afrobeats while weaving together English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin.

Asake’s rapid rise and Wizkid’s veteran influence create a balance that feels both local and international  a defining trait of modern Afrobeats. With Wizkid already a Grammy winner and Asake emerging as a leading force, the track represents generational excellence.

Tems – Love Me JeJe

Although Tems already owns a Grammy through her contribution to Wait For U, this nomination places her fully in the spotlight as a solo African act. Love Me JeJe, from her debut album Born in the Wild, reimagines a 1990s Nigerian classic with a modern, soulful touch.

The song topped UK Afrobeats charts and performed strongly on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats rankings, reaffirming Tems’ unique sound and global appeal.

A Defining Moment for African Music

With the awards ceremony just months away, anticipation continues to build. Nominees including Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Asake, Wizkid, and Yemi Alade are poised to extend Africa’s rich Grammy legacy  one shaped by icons such as Miriam Makeba, Angélique Kidjo, Ali Farka Touré, Sade, and Black Coffee.

As Afrobeats and African music continue to break borders, the Best African Music Performance category stands as proof that the continent’s sound is no longer niche  it’s global. Whether through innovation, collaboration, or cultural pride, one thing is certain: Africa will once again command attention on Grammy night.