The Recording Academy has just announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, setting up an electrifying contest between Africa’s established superstars and a new wave of cross-continental collaborations.
This category, now in its third year, keeps on highlighting the vibrancy and appeal of African music to the world by featuring an exciting mix of solo anthems and groundbreaking partnerships.
Nominees this year include Burna Boy’s Love, Davido and Omah Lay’s With You, Hope & Love by Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin, Gimme Dat by Ayra Starr and Wizkid, and Push 2 Start by Tyla.
The soulful voice of one-time Grammy winner Burna Boy is felt once more on Love; Ayra Starr teams up with Wizkid on Gimme Dat to bring together two generations of Nigerian pop stars. On With You, two of Afrobeats’ most recognizable voices, Davido and Omah Lay, come together for a smooth but strong duet.
Adding a pan-African touch, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo features with Mehran Matin on Hope & Love, while South Africa’s Tyla – winner of the inaugural award in 2024 for Water– returns with Push 2 Start, a further refinement of her pop-infused amapiano sound that cements her rising dominance.
“This year’s nominees perfectly capture where African music stands today — confident in its stars, fearless in collaboration,” said a music critic.
The winner will be announced at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony, signaling the latest milestone in a global rise for African music.
