Tyla Wins as Nigerian Stars Miss Out at 2026 Grammy Awards

The 2026 Grammy Awards have concluded with African music once again taking centre stage, although Nigerian artistes left the ceremony without a win.

Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr were among the nominees in the Best African Music Performance category. However, South African singer Tyla won the award with her song “Push 2 Start”, edging out Burna Boy’s “Love”, Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr’s “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid.

Despite the loss, the nominations further reinforced the global recognition of Nigerian music on the world’s biggest awards stage.

Major Winners at the 2026 Grammys

• Record of the Year: “Luther” — Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA

• Album of the Year: DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — Bad Bunny

• Song of the Year: “WILDFLOWER” — Billie Eilish

• Best New Artist: Olivia Dean

• Producer of the Year (Non-Classical): Cirkut

• Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical): Amy Allen

Other Notable Wins

• Best Rap Album: GNX — Kendrick Lamar

• Best Pop Vocal Album: MAYHEM — Lady Gaga

• Best Global Music Performance: “EoO” — Bad Bunny

• Best Global Music Album: Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo — Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia

African Category Result

• Best African Music Performance: “Push 2 Start” — Tyla

The awards ceremony once again highlighted the growing influence of global and African sounds, with strong performances across pop, rap, R&B, and world music categories.

While Nigerian artistes did not secure wins this year, their continued presence among nominees underscores their sustained relevance and impact on the international music scene.