Every October, the Recording Academy’s submission window sparks a frenzy among artists worldwide, including those from Nigeria. With nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards set to be announced on November 7, anticipation is high across the Afrobeats scene.
Since the Academy introduced the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category in 2023, more Nigerian artists have found themselves in Grammy conversations.
For many, submitting to the Grammys isn’t just a bid for validation; it’s a marker of evolution. It signals ambition, confidence, and a belief that speaks beyond Billboard charts, Afrobeats playlists and TikTok trends.
Below, I highlight the Nigerian artists I believe are most likely to be nominated for the 2026 Grammy Awards, based on past Grammy data and the strength of their submissions.
Ayra Starr
She submitted:
- “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid for ‘Best African Music Performance’
- “Gimme” Dat” featuring Wizkid for ‘Best Music Video’
- “Hot Body” for ‘Record of the Year’
- “Hot Body” for ‘Song of the Year’
Likely to be nominated:
- “Gimme” Dat” featuring Wizkid for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
Ayra Starr is already a Grammy nominee for “Rush,” and Wizkid’s five nominations and one win make him a proven Academy favourite. Their chemistry on “Gimme Dat” is undeniable, and the category tends to reward high-profile collaborations with global reach. This is one of the most secure Nigerian bets of the year.
Asake
He submitted:
- “WHY LOVE” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Likely to be nominated:
- “WHY LOVE” for Best ‘African Music Performance’
Why?
Following back-to-back ‘Best African Music Performance’ nominations for “Amapiano” in 2024 and “MMS” in 2025, it’s safe to say that the Grammys love them some Asake. I expect that recognition to continue with the solid “WHY LOVE.”
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Burna Boy
He submitted:
- No Sign Of Weakness for ‘Album of the Year’
- No Sign Of Weakness for ‘Best Global Album’
- “Love” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
- “4 Kampe II” with Joé Dwèt Filé for ‘Best Global Music Performance’
Likely to be nominated:
- No Sign Of Weakness for ‘Best Global Album’
- “Love” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
- “Wgft” with Gunna for ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’
Why?
Burna’s a Grammy darling with 11 nominations and one win. He’s been nominated every year he’s submitted, and is one of the rare Nigerian acts to be nominated outside of the ‘African’ or ‘Global’ categories, earning a nod for ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ for “Sittin’ On Top of the World” with 21 Savage. Expect him to be the most nominated Nigerian this year.
Davido
He submitted:
- 5IVE for ‘Best Global Album’
- 5IVE for ‘Best Artwork’
- 5IVE for ‘Best Album of the Year’
- “With You” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
- “With You” for ‘Song of the Year’
- “With You” for ‘Record of the Year’
- “With You” for ‘Best Music Video’
Likely to be nominated:
- 5IVE for Best ‘Global Album’
- “With you” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
Davido’s 5IVE is one of his most acclaimed albums yet, and the viral success of “With You” — boosted heavily by Omah Lay — makes it difficult for voters to ignore. As one of the inaugural nominees of the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, Davido already has name recognition with Grammy voters. Expect multiple nominations here.
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Olamide
He submitted:
- “Billionaires Club” featuring Wizkid and Darkoo for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Likely to be nominated:
- “Billionaires Club” featuring Wizkid and Darkoo for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
After earning his first Grammy nomination with Asake for “Amapiano,” Olamide returns with another heavy collaboration. Wizkid’s presence already boosts a submission, and “Billionaires Club” is already beloved for its sleek production and cross-market appeal. It fits perfectly into the Academy’s taste profile for this category.
Omah Lay
He submitted:
- “With You” with Davido for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Likely to be nominated:
- “With You” with Davido for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
Omah Lay is the heart of “With You,” one of 2025’s biggest Afrobeats records. His melodic control and emotional delivery elevate the track, and the Grammys often reward breakout performances within collaborations. If this song lands — and it should — Omah Lay will deservedly join the growing list of Grammy-nominated Nigerians.
Rema
He submitted:
- “Baby (Is It A Crime)” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Likely to be nominated:
- “Baby (Is It A Crime)” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
After getting his first Grammy nomination for HEIS in 2025, Rema tenders “Baby (Is It A Crime)”, as his Grammy 2026 submission. The song samples four-time Grammy winner Sade Adu’s “Is It A Crime” and remains one of the best and most versatile releases in Afrobeats this year. It would be a shocker if this didn’t make the cut.
Wizkid
He submitted:
- Morayo for ‘Album of the Year’
- Morayo for ‘Best Global Album’
- “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz for ‘Record of the Year’
- “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz for ‘Song of the Year’
- “Piece of My Heart” featuring Brent Faiyaz for ‘Best African Music Performance’
- “Kese (Dance)” for ‘Best Music Video’
Likely to be nominated:
- Morayo for ‘Best Global Album’
- Ayra Starr’s “Gimme Dat” for ‘Best African Music Performance’
Why?
With five nominations and one win, Wizkid is another certified Grammy darling. I expect him to show up in ‘Best Global Album’ for the celebrated Morayo, but I think his strongest chance for a nomination in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category will be for his work on Ayra’s Starr’s “Gimme Dat,” instead of his own single, “Piece of My Heart.”
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