Leading Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid all entered the ceremony with high expectations but ultimately fell short, leaving Nigeria without a trophy at the end of the night. The result was particularly striking given the strong presence of Nigerian artistes in both African and global music categories.
In the Best African Music Performance category, South African singer Tyla emerged victorious with her hit Push 2 Start. She beat stiff competition from Burna Boy’s Love, Davido and Omah Lay’s collaboration With You, and Gimme Dat by Ayra Starr and Wizkid. Tyla’s win reinforced her growing status as one of Africa’s most influential young stars.
The Best Global Music Album category also proved disappointing for Nigeria. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness lost out to Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo, a live album by Brazilian music icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia, whose victory highlighted the Grammys’ broad celebration of global sounds beyond the African continent.
Tyla’s triumph marked her second win in the Best African Music Performance category since its introduction in 2024. She first claimed the award with Water, becoming the inaugural recipient. Her repeat victory not only cements her consistency but also underscores South Africa’s rising influence in contemporary African pop on the world stage.
While Nigeria’s absence from the winners’ list may come as a surprise, industry observers note that the country’s continued nominations reflect its sustained relevance and creative output. For many fans and artistes alike, the 2026 Grammys may be seen less as a setback and more as a reminder of the increasingly competitive and global nature of African music.
See full list of winners HERE.