As excitement mounts for the 2026 Grammy Awards, a wave of African musicians is making significant strides with standout tracks already capturing widespread acclaim and industry buzz for potential nominations.
The upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1, 2026, could represent a landmark moment for African artists. This season promises not only individual triumphs but also a broader breakthrough for Africa’s burgeoning influence on the global music landscape.
Since the introduction of the Best African Music Performance (BAMP) category in 2024, African musicians have expanded their ambitions beyond regional accolades. They are now vying for the most prestigious honors in music, including Album of the Year (AOTY), Record of the Year (ROTY), and Song of the Year (SOTY), signaling a decisive push for worldwide recognition.
Wizkid’s Morayo
Wizkid returns to the Grammy spotlight with renewed determination. His latest project, Morayo, has been submitted for consideration in both Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories. Additionally, his single Piece of My Heart is in the running for Record and Song of the Year.
Wizkid’s campaign reflects his desire to transcend the Global category and compete alongside mainstream pop, hip-hop, and rock giants. Supported by his international acclaim and robust label backing, Morayo is distinguished by its refined production, eclectic soundscapes, and broad appeal. However, he faces formidable rivals from American heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, making crossover success crucial for his breakthrough.
Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness
Burna Boy has also entered his album No Sign of Weakness for Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. As a Grammy veteran, his consistent nominations and global footprint give him a competitive advantage.
This album fuses Afro-fusion with top-tier production, reinforcing Burna Boy’s role as a key architect of African music’s global narrative. Even if No Sign of Weakness falls short of AOTY, it is highly likely to secure a nod for Best Global Album. His track Love is also submitted for Best African Music Performance (BAMP), underscoring his status as one of the Academy’s most esteemed African contributors.
Tyla’s Push 2 Start
Tyla, the South African pop icon who made waves with Water, is back with Push 2 Start, submitted for Record and Song of the Year. Featured on her deluxe album TYLA+, the track masterfully blends pop sensibilities with Amapiano rhythms, a fusion that has propelled her to international recognition.
The Grammy-winning artist’s crisp production, infectious melodies, and growing U.S. chart presence position her as a strong contender for a General Field nomination. Tyla also entered SHAKE AH, a collaboration with South African producers, further solidifying her foothold in the Best African Music Performance category.
Ayra Starr’s Hot Body
Ayra Starr emerges as a potential dark horse for Record of the Year with her track Hot Body. Although its streaming figures lag behind some competitors, the song’s viral surge during the Grammy voting period gave it a significant late boost. It amassed over 18 million streams and nearly 700,000 user-generated videos across social media platforms, highlighting its widespread resonance.
The Mavin Records artist’s increasing visibility in the U.S., combined with strong distribution through Republic Records, places her in an excellent position to earn her inaugural General Field nomination.
Forecast for Best African Music Performance (BAMP)
The BAMP category remains fiercely competitive, spotlighting tracks that skillfully merge authentic African sounds with international appeal.
- Wizkid & Ayra Starr – Gimme Dat: A dynamic collaboration bridging two generations of Afrobeats mastery. The synergy, production excellence, and visual storytelling make this a near-certain nominee.
- Tyla – Push 2 Start: Following the success of Water, this track boasts polished vocals, cultural depth, and growing global momentum.
- Burna Boy – Love: A soulful, richly produced song that reaffirms Burna Boy’s consistent artistry.
- Uncle Waffles – Wadibusa: A quintessential Amapiano anthem with significant cultural impact. Its dominance on South African charts and festival circuits strengthens its BAMP candidacy.
- Asake – Amapiano (feat. Olamide): A proven hitmaker and previous nominee, Asake’s signature sound keeps him firmly in contention.
Success in this category often hinges on artists who balance genuine local roots with strong appeal in Western markets-a formula that has propelled stars like Tyla and Tems to Grammy victories.
How African Musicians Are Navigating the Grammy Landscape
A key factor enhancing African artists’ prospects this year is the evolving composition of the Recording Academy. The inclusion of more African industry professionals, including Davido, as voting members has fostered a deeper appreciation for the continent’s musical diversity.
Moreover, the establishment of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart offers tangible evidence of African artists’ influence, providing Grammy voters with data-driven justification to elevate these musicians in major categories.
If current trajectories continue, 2026 could be a historic year for African music at the Grammys. Tyla appears poised for another Record of the Year nod, while Wizkid and Burna Boy’s albums are strong contenders in both Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories.
In the fiercely contested Best African Music Performance category, expect intense rivalry among Tyla, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr, and Uncle Waffles. This Grammy season may well be the moment African artists transition from participants to dominant forces across multiple fields.
Stay updated with the latest from NotJustOk via X and Facebook
0 Comments