Grammys 2026: Tyla Wins Again, Fela Receives Historic Honour

Nigeria ended the Grammys 2026 without a competitive win despite a strong showing from some of its biggest music exports, highlighting both the country’s global relevance and the stiff competition on the world stage.

At the 2026 Grammy Awards held on Sunday, Nigerian artistes Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid were all nominated across major categories but failed to secure a trophy. Their absence from the winners’ list marked a disappointing outcome for a country that has dominated African music conversations globally over the past decade.

In the Best African Music Performance category, South African star Tyla emerged victorious with Push 2 Start. She edged out Burna Boy’s Love, Davido and Omah Lay’s With You, and Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s Gimme Dat. The win represents Tyla’s second victory in the category, having first claimed the award in 2024 with Water, making her the inaugural and now repeat recipient.

Meanwhile, the Best Global Music Album award went to Brazilian icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia for Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo. Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness missed out, extending Nigeria’s winless run for the night.

Despite the setbacks, Nigeria still recorded a historic moment at the Grammys 2026. Legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was posthumously honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy. The recognition makes Fela the first African artiste to receive the prestigious honour.

While Nigeria left without a competitive Grammy, Fela’s recognition reaffirmed the country’s enduring influence on global music history.