2026 Grammy Awards: See All the African Winners This Year
The 2026 Grammy Awards (68th Annual Grammy Awards) celebrated musical excellence around the world, and once again African artists made their mark on Music’s Biggest Night. The ceremony, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, highlighted both contemporary achievements and historic honors for African music icons.
Tyla Wins Best African Music Performance
South African singer Tyla emerged as one of the biggest African winners at the 2026 Grammys, securing the Best African Music Performance award for her hit song “Push 2 Start.” This win marks another major milestone in her global breakthrough and cements her status as a leading voice in modern African music.
Tyla’s victory was notable as she triumphed over several major African nominees, including Burna Boy, Davido with Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr with Wizkid — reflecting the diversity and depth of African music represented at the awards.
Historic Grammy Recognition for Fela Kuti
In a profoundly historic moment at the 2026 Grammy Awards, legendary Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was honored posthumously with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This accolade makes Fela Kuti the first African artist to receive this prestigious honor, celebrating his revolutionary influence on music and culture worldwide.
Kuti’s legacy as the creator of Afrobeat and his impact on generations of musicians across the world underscores the global reach of African sound and heritage.
African Nominees Who Made History
Although not all African nominees took home awards this year, their presence on the 2026 Grammy shortlist reflects the continued expansion of African music’s global influence.
- Burna Boy — Nominated for Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album.
- Davido (featuring Omah Lay) — Nominated in Best African Music Performance for “With You.”
- Ayra Starr (featuring Wizkid) — Nominated for “Gimme Dat” in Best African Music Performance.
- Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin — Represented Uganda with “Hope & Love.”
- Angélique Kidjo — Continued international recognition with a nomination in Best Global Music Performance.
While these amazing talents didn’t win in their respective categories this year, their nominations alone highlight the richness of the African musical landscape and its global reach.
Why This Matters for African Music
The 2026 Grammys showcased the broad appeal of African sounds — from established stars like Tyla to legendary icons like Fela Kuti — and underscored that African music continues to influence global trends in pop, Afrobeat, and world music.
Even in years when wins are limited, nominations and honors at the Grammys serve as important milestones in the international recognition of African artistry.
Final Thoughts
From Tyla’s award-winning performance to Fela Kuti’s historic lifetime honor, Africa’s presence at the 2026 Grammy Awards was powerful and unforgettable. These wins and nominations are not just trophies — they are a testament to the continent’s growing cultural influence and unstoppable musical talent.