By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria
Nigerian artistes failed to secure a win at the 2026 Grammy Awards, despite strong representation across key categories at the global music ceremony.
Leading Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid and Omah Lay all received nominations but did not clinch any awards. The most keenly contested category for Nigeria, Best African Music Performance, was won by South African singer Tyla for her song Push 2 Start, edging out Burna Boy’s Love, Davido’s With You featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s Gimme Dat.
Burna Boy also missed out in the Best Global Music Album category, losing to Brazilian music icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia.
The result marked a disappointing outing for Nigeria, which had dominated nominations in the African category with three of the five shortlisted entries. The category, introduced in 2024 to spotlight African sounds, has now seen Nigerian nominees lose out for a second consecutive year.
Beyond African-focused categories, Nigerian artistes were absent from the winners’ list across the 95 Grammy categories announced during the main ceremony and the pre-telecast premiere event.
While Nigerian acts continue to enjoy growing global recognition through nominations and international chart success, the 2026 Grammys ended without a trophy for Africa’s most populous nation, underscoring the stiff competition and shifting dynamics within the global musi
c industry.
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