The Best African Music Performance category has evolved from a new addition to one of the most anticipated highlights of the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, celebrating sounds that have moved from local streets to the global stage.
The 2026 Nominees at a Glance
* Burna Boy – “Love”
* Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You”
* Tyla – “PUSH 2 START”
* Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
* Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
Nominee Deep Dive
“Love” – Burna Boy
The “African Giant” continues his historic run with “Love,” a standout from his eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness. This nomination marks his 13th career nod. Directed by his sister, Ronami Ogulu, the track is a bold, introspective Afro-fusion anthem exploring themes of power and personal affirmation. As the most decorated nominee in this lineup, Burna Boy remains the one to beat.
“With You” – Davido featuring Omah Lay
This powerhouse collaboration is rooted in Igbo Highlife, drawing inspiration from Bright Chimezie’s 1984 classic “Because of English.” Released on Davido’s fifth album, 5ive, the track features a infectious guitar loop produced by Tempoe. While Davido is a seasoned Grammy regular, this marks a career-first nomination for Omah Lay, highlighting his “Afro-depressive” style within a high-energy track.
“PUSH 2 START” – Tyla
The reigning category champion is back. After her 2024 win for “Water,” the South African star returns with “PUSH 2 START,” a track that uses car analogies to describe attraction. Musically, it’s a masterclass in Amapiano-Pop fusion. Having already won “Best Afrobeats” at the 2025 MTV VMAs, Tyla is looking to secure a rare back-to-back victory.
“Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid
Ayra Starr, the “Celestial Being,” teams up with the legendary Wizkid for a track that samples the classic “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige. Blending jazzy reggae with sultry Afrobeats, the song features Ayra demanding 100% commitment while Wizkid delivers a seasoned, breezy verse. Following her historic run as the youngest Nigerian nominee last year, Ayra has solidified her place at the top of the “new school.”
“Hope & Love” – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin
Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo secures his second career nomination with this cross-cultural collaboration with Swedish-Iranian artist Mehran Matin. The track stands out for its inspirational message of global unity, blending East African rhythms with Iranian musical influences. Kenzo remains a pioneer, consistently ensuring that the East African sound is represented on the world’s biggest stage.
The Big Night: Performance & Broadcast
The ceremony kicks off at 8:00 PM ET (which is 2:00 AM WAT on Monday, February 2 for those watching in Nigeria).
While the official performance roster features global stars like Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Sabrina Carpenter, fans are keeping a close watch on the red carpet and unannounced segments. With Trevor Noah returning to host for the final time, and a special Lifetime Achievement honor for the legendary Fela Kuti, the 2026 Grammys are set to be a definitive celebration of African excellence
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