Nigeria’s Afrobeats stars have once again captured global attention as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay lead the African representation in the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations.

The official list, released on Friday evening by the Recording Academy, highlights the growing dominance of Nigerian music on the international stage. Several of the country’s biggest acts earned multiple nominations across key global categories, further solidifying Afrobeats as a global music powerhouse.

In one of the most competitive lineups yet, Davido and Omah Lay earned a joint nomination for Best African Music Performance with their hit collaboration, “With You.” The track, which enjoyed massive streaming success worldwide, marks Omah Lay’s first-ever Grammy nomination and adds another milestone to Davido’s already illustrious career.

Other nominees in the category include Burna Boy’s soulful anthem “Love,” Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s vibrant duet “Gimme Dat,” Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin’s inspirational “Hope & Love,” and Tyla’s energetic “Push 2 Start.”

Burna Boy, who previously won a Grammy for Twice as Tall in 2021, continues to make waves on the global scene with another major nomination — Best Global Music Album — for his latest project “No Sign of Weakness.” The album competes against works from acclaimed international artists including Siddhant Bhatia, Youssou N’Dour, Shakti, Anoushka Shankar, and Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia.

This marks Burna Boy’s fifth consecutive Grammy nomination, confirming his status as one of Africa’s most consistent global music exports.

Meanwhile, rising sensation Ayra Starr achieved her second Grammy nod alongside Wizkid for “Gimme Dat.” The collaboration showcases the signature Afrobeats fusion of rhythm, soul, and urban pop that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

The inclusion of multiple Nigerian artists across several Grammy categories has been met with excitement and pride across social media platforms. Fans, industry insiders, and fellow musicians have hailed the nominations as a major win for the Nigerian music industry and a testament to Afrobeats’ unstoppable rise.

Industry analysts note that this year’s nominations underscore a new era for African music, where global recognition has become the norm rather than the exception. The artists’ ability to blend indigenous sounds with contemporary pop has created a unique sonic identity that resonates across continents.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles early next year, is expected to be a historic night for Afrobeats, with multiple Nigerian artists competing for some of the world’s most prestigious music honors.

Below is the full list of nominees in the African and Global categories:

Best African Music Performance Nominees:
– Love – Burna Boy
– With You – Davido & Omah Lay
– Hope & Love – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
– Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr & Wizkid
– Push 2 Start – Tyla

Best Global Music Album Nominees:
– No Sign of Weakness – Burna Boy
– Sounds of Kumbha – Siddhant Bhatia
– Éclairer le Monde: Light the World – Youssou N’Dour
– Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live) – Shakti
– Chapter III: We Return to Light – Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar
– Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo – Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia

As anticipation builds ahead of the main event, Nigerian fans are hopeful that the country’s stars will once again bring home the coveted Grammy gold, reinforcing the nation’s position at the heart of global music innovation.