Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr & Omah Lay Dominate 2026 Grammy Nominations — Full List

Nigeria’s Afrobeats superstars, Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Omah Lay, have been nominated for the 2026 Grammy Awards, underscoring the continued global rise of the country’s vibrant music industry.

The full list, released by the Recording Academy on Friday evening, places Nigerian acts at the forefront of the international music scene, with multiple nominations across key categories including Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In the Best African Music Performance category, Nigerian artists took four of the five nomination slots, a testament to Afrobeats’ dominance on the world stage. The nominees include “Love” by Burna Boy, “With You” by Davido and Omah Lay, “Hope & Love” by Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin, “Gimme Dat” by Ayra Starr and Wizkid, and “PUSH 2 START” by Tyla.

Davido and Omah Lay’s soulful collaboration, “With You,” earned the pair their first joint Grammy nomination. The track, which blends highlife-inspired percussion with melodic Afro-fusion elements, has been widely praised for its emotional delivery and authentic storytelling. Similarly, Ayra Starr and Wizkid made the list with “Gimme Dat,” a rhythmic anthem that has dominated both local and international airwaves.

Burna Boy, who previously won a Grammy Award, extended his streak with a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category for his project “No Sign of Weakness.” The album will contend against top international entries such as “Sounds of Kumbha” by Siddhant Bhatia, “Éclairer le Monde: Light the World” by Youssou N’Dour, “Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)” by Shakti, “Chapter III: We Return to Light” by Anoushka Shankar featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar, and “Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo” by Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia.

If Burna Boy clinches the award, it would mark his second Grammy win, further consolidating his status as one of Africa’s most accomplished musical exports.

The 2026 nominations highlight Afrobeats’ transformation from a continental sound to a dominant global genre. In the last five years, Nigerian artists have consistently broken barriers, topping international charts and collaborating with A-list global performers. Davido’s “Timeless” album, Wizkid’s “More Love, Less Ego,” and Ayra Starr’s breakout success continue to showcase the genre’s versatility and global appeal.

According to music analysts, the Grammys’ recognition of multiple Nigerian acts reflects a major shift in the global music landscape, positioning Lagos as one of the new capitals of world sound.

Following the announcement, social media platforms erupted in celebration as fans congratulated their favorite stars. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags such as #DavidoForGrammy, #BurnaBoy, and #AyraStarr trended globally, while fans hailed the moment as a historic win for African music. Many lauded the nominations as a collective victory for Nigeria’s creative industry, with some calling it proof that African sound has truly gone global.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to hold at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, early next year. Industry observers predict a strong outing for Nigerian artists, with potential wins expected in both the Best African Music Performance and Global Music Album categories.

Entertainment journalist and critic Tunde Ogunleye described the nominations as “a clear validation of years of consistent effort and global cultural export by Nigerian artists.” He said: “This year’s nominations show that African music, particularly Nigerian Afrobeats, has crossed the threshold from trend to tradition. It’s now an established pillar of global pop culture.”

With five Nigerian stars earning Grammy nods in major categories, 2026 could mark one of the most defining moments in Africa’s music history. Whether through Burna Boy’s powerful artistry, Davido’s infectious energy, Wizkid’s global appeal, Ayra Starr’s youthful brilliance, or Omah Lay’s soulful voice, Nigeria continues to prove itself as the heartbeat of world music.