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.”

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?

�ٲ��������’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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In celebration of Nigerian music’s growing global recognition, we’re highlighting the best Nigerian albums that have earned a Grammy nomination. From the older musicians to the new generation of Nigerian artists making waves worldwide, this article presents the top 10 Nigerian albums that have been recognized by the Recording Academy.

These albums not only put Nigeria on the Grammy map but also showcase the country’s rich musical heritage and increasingly prominent place in the global music industry.

See below our top 10 Nigerian albums that have been nominated for a Grammy ranked:

10. Born in the Wild — Tems

By the time Tems dropped her debut album, Born In the Wild, in 2024, she was already a global star. The album, a deeply personal R&B project infused with Afrobeats influences, showcases her range—from the soulful “” (which earned her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song) to the nostalgic “” (nominated for Best African Music Performance). While Born in the Wild feels like a project Tems made for herself, it still resonates with millions worldwide. It peaked at number three on Nigeria’s TurnTable Albums chart, , on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting album by a Nigerian female artist.

Tems has remained a dominant presence in the global music scene, especially in the U.S. She’s consistently been part of Grammy-nominated records, from her feature and sample on Future and Drake’s “” to contributions on �����DzԳ�é’s “” and Rihanna’s “.” With her Grammy nod for Born in the Wild, she further cements her ability to blend genres effortlessly while evolving in the global market. Well-deserved.

9. ����ù — King Sunny Ade

King Sunny Adé’s 1999 album breathes new life into ancient Yoruba songs, refining traditional melodies into a fresh, captivating experience. The album’s title itself is a nod to ����ù Ifá, the sacred Yorùbá divination system, reflecting KSA’s deep reverence for African culture and heritage.

When it comes to music made for pure enjoyment—fondly called Ariya music by Juju lovers—King Sunny Adé is in a league of his own. ����ù boasts pristine production that elevates its traditional roots while seamlessly fitting into the musical landscape of its time. But its impact wasn’t just limited to dance floors. The album earned King Sunny Adé his second Grammy nomination in the Best World Music Album category, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian music on the global stage.

8. Timeless — Davido

As one of the leaders of African music and the Afrobeats movement, Davido has always had a knack for making global hits. But with —his fourth studio album and first Grammy-nominated project—he took things to another level. Released in March 2024 after a long break from social media, the album marked a triumphant return for the ever-outside Davido. It came with an unmissable rollout, blending introspection with his signature hit-making formula, familiar yet refreshing production, and lyrics that resonated deeply with fans.

On Timeless, Davido delivers some of his most confident and refined work yet, balancing reinvention with the infectious energy his audience loves. The impact was immediate—Timeless became the and had the biggest album debut week of 2024, racking up over 50 million on-demand streams in its first week. And he didn’t stop there. Throughout the year, Davido kept the momentum going with international radio tours, a North American tour, viral visuals, and major brand collaborations, making sure Timeless remained in the conversation.

In 2024, Timeless earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the Grammys, while his smash hit “” received a nod for Best Global Music Performance and “” for Best Global Music Performance. A well-deserved recognition for an artist who has spent over a decade shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats.

7. Made In Lagos — Wizkid

Wizkid’s fourth studio album, , is almost as famous for its multiple postponements as it is for its undeniable greatness. When it finally dropped in October 2020, the reception was nothing short of legendary. Critics praised it, fans treated it like a national treasure, and Wizkid himself fully embraced a new era—one defined by effortless cool, silky vocals, and a laid-back, singlet-wearing, sometimes-shirtless energy.

A love letter to his city, Made In Lagos indulges in all the things that make Lagos iconic—hedonism, hustle, women, and weather. Sonically, it’s Wizkid at his smoothest: a slow-burning, sensual, and irresistibly relaxing album packed with confidence and style. The guest list alone is proof of its global ambition, featuring Burna Boy, Tems, Damian Marley, H.E.R., Skepta, and Justin Bieber.

Anchored by hits like “” and the 4× RIAA platinum-certified “,” Made In Lagos became a record-breaking force. It spent over 130 weeks on the Billboard World Albums chart, making it the longest-charting African album in history. It also became the first African album to be certified Gold in the U.S.

It’s also in the US. Simply put, Made In Lagos isn’t just a great album—it’s a cultural reset.

6. HEIS — Rema

Most critics and listeners would agree that the release of HEIS has brought or perhaps started a sonic reset in Afrobeats. With its hyper-fast production, Afrobeats-EDM-Mara-House fusion, and a Gothic aesthetic drenched in local Edo references and innuendos, Rema crafted something uniquely chaotic yet masterfully executed. Since its 2024 release, it’s been impossible to attend a lit rave without hearing at least one track from the album.

From the stompyard anthems “,” “,” and “” to the stadium-sized energy of its sound, HEIS has turned Rema into a movement. He’s packed out arenas in Abuja and Lagos, leading a new wave of Afrobeats that feels both futuristic and deeply rooted in his heritage.

At the 67th Grammy Awards, HEIS earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album, marking Rema’s first career Grammy nod—just five years into his mainstream journey. The boy dey march am, indeed.

5. Love Drum Talk — Babatunde Olatunji

It’s not every day you hear a 70-year-old sing with the effortless vibrance of Babatunde Olatunji. While is backed by vocalists, guitarists, and percussionists, Olatunji remains the undeniable star of the show. His sharp voice and witty Yorùbá storytelling weave through themes of love, commitment, family, and heritage—like on “,” where he sings about his granddaughter returning to Nigeria to study in her grandmother’s school in Ibadan.

Released as his thirteenth album, Love Drum Talk became his first solo project to earn a Grammy nomination, a remarkable feat for an artist who had spent decades championing African rhythms on the global stage. The album is a sonic time capsule—a love letter wrapped in the deep resonance of West African drums, blended with Afrobeat, Highlife, and Jazz. More than just music, it feels like a gift to himself on his 70th birthday, a culmination of a lifelong dedication to African percussion.

Olatunji’s journey started in Ajido, Badagry, Lagos, where he honed his drumming skills before moving to the U.S. in 1950. Over the decades, he became a pioneer of African drumming, influencing generations of musicians and reshaping how African music was perceived globally. Love Drum Talk was his final commercial album, but his legacy—both as a musician and cultural ambassador—lives on.

4. Legacy + — Femi Kuti & Made Kuti

There’s something deeply powerful about two generations—father and son—coming together to create music that transcends time. isn’t just an album; it’s a rite of passage, a bridge between past, present, and future, woven together by the unmistakable rhythms of Afrobeat.

Clocking in at just under an hour and a half, the album is more than a collaboration between Femi and Made Kuti—it’s a living testament to a bloodline of musical revolutionaries. It carries the legacy of Josiah Jesse Ransome-Kuti, Made’s great-great-grandfather and Nigeria’s first recorded musician. It upholds the spirit of Fela Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat and a global icon. It cements Femi Kuti’s decades-long contribution to the genre. And it marks Made Kuti’s own emergence as the next torchbearer.

With Legacy +, the Kuti family doesn’t just honour its past—it extends its influence into the future. A Grammy-nominated masterpiece, this album is more than music; it’s history in motion.

3. Synchro System — King Sunny Ade

Not taking a breather after the release of his successful 1982 (his first out of three albums for Island Records), King Sunny Ade wasted no time in crafting , released in 1983 as the second of his three albums under Island Records. It’s the type of feel-good music that makes lovers of life forget their worries and dance without a care—while Adé himself, with a white handkerchief in hand, serenades with his soulful melodies.

Performing tracks from Synchro System at the 1983 Montreux Jazz Festival, King Sunny Adé captivated the audience, cementing his status as the reigning champion of African music in that era. The album’s success soon led to a Grammy nomination for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, marking a pivotal moment as he broke into the global mainstream with his authentic African sound.

While Juju Music leaned heavily on steel guitar and traditional instrumentation, Synchro System introduced riff guitars and embraced more Western production influences. Yet, its core remained unapologetically African—a celebration of life, rhythm, and culture. This is African party music at its finest, a timeless groove that continues to resonate decades later.

2. Black Times — Seun Kuti

From the bold opening of “” to the closing notes of “,” is a sonic rebellion—a fiery blend of drums, brass, sax, and snares, all blasting out in the funkiest groove. Backed by the legendary Egypt 80 band (inherited from his father, Fela Kuti), Seun Kuti delivers an album that’s as irresistibly danceable as it is politically charged.

Black Times is more than music—it’s a call to action. It invokes the spirit of Black consciousness, drawing inspiration from revolutionaries like Marcus Garvey, Patrice Lumumba, Thomas Sankara, and Shaka Zulu. Every track speaks the language of the people—unfiltered, urgent, and defiant. This is the sound of black liberation, a rallying cry wrapped in hypnotic rhythms, demanding both introspection and movement.

From start to finish, Black Times is riveting, offering not just a message but an experience—one where freedom, resistance, and joy collide.

1. African Giant — Burna Boy

When Burna Boy declared, “I am an AFRICAN GIANT and will not be reduced to whatever that tiny writing means” on Instagram in 2018, he wasn’t just fighting for a bigger font on the Coachella billing—he was staking his claim on the global stage. That declaration was his way of saying, “Stop sidestepping Africa and me!” The world was forced to listen, and Burna Boy backed it up with , an album that made sure to document the rise of his hype.

African Giant weaves through a range of musical styles, bringing together African pop with global influences to showcase contemporary African music through the lens of modern times. Burna Boy delivers a mix of self-praise, optimistic anthems, love musings, and gritty hustler tracks. He fires up listeners with high-energy gyrations, while also offering street-smart wisdom and a sharp critique of societal ills. The predator mentality—a mark of Burna Boy’s resilience—permeates every track, driving him forward like a force of nature.

He doesn’t stop there. Burna Boy dons his pan-Africanist mantle, unapologetically throwing middle fingers at governments and colonial powers, making bold political statements on songs like “” and “.” While some may argue his political stance is more spectacle than true activism, there’s no denying his musical genius. African Giant is an album that not only celebrates African pride, but also introduces the world to a revolutionary sound.

Though it didn’t win the 2019 Grammy, African Giant marked Burna Boy’s undeniable arrival on the global scene—and by extension, Afrobeats’ triumphant transcendence across the globe.

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With the global recognition of Afrobeats, Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy have received multiple Grammy nominations. In 2023, the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys, introduced a new category — Best African Music Performance — leading to even more Nigerian artists earning nominations.

As the 2025 Grammy Awards comes to an end, here’s a complete list of all Nigerians and individuals of Nigerian descent who have won or have ever been nominated for a Grammy.

Grammy Fact: An artist only earns a nomination for their contribution to an album when that album is nominated for ‘Album of the Year.’

Nigerians who have won Grammys

1.

Total wins: 4

Category and Year:

1. Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1996) — “”
2. Song of the Year (1996) — “”
3. Record of the Year (1996) — “”
4. Pop Collaboration With Vocals (2011) — “Imagine”

Grammy fact: Seal, born Olusegun Adeola, is tied with Sade Adu for the most Grammy wins for a musician of Nigerian descent.

2.

Total wins: 4

Category and Year:

1. Best New Artist (1986)
2. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (1994) — “” with her namesake band, Sade
3. Best Pop Vocal Album (2002) —
4. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (2011) — “” with Sade

Grammy fact: Sade Adu is the first Grammy-winning singer of Nigerian descent, and the only one to win the coveted ‘Best New Artist.’

3. (of Pentatonix)

Total wins: 3

Category and Year:

1. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella (2015) — “” with Pentatonix
2. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella (2016) — “” with Pentatonix
3. Best Country Duo/Group Performance (2017) — “” with Pentatonix and Dolly Parton

Grammy fact: Kevin [Oluwole] Olusola won his first three Grammy awards the first three times he was nominated with the group, Pentatonix.

4.

Total wins: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023) — “” with Future
2. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “”

Grammy Fact: The Billboard-topping hit sampled a song of the same title by Tems, born Temilade Openiyi. It was also nominated in the ‘Best Rap Song’ category.

5.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (2007) — “”

Grammy fact: Chamillionaire, born Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, almost didn’t add the Grammy-winning  “Ridin” to the album, The Sound of Revenge. It was added last minute.

6.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Contemporary World Music Album (2008) —

Grammy Fact: Sikiru Adepoju won his Grammy award with Mickey Hart, the co-founder of Planet Drum and Global Drum Project percussionist groups.

7.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Media Theatre Album (2017) —

 Grammy Fact: This is Cynthia [Chinasaokwu] Erivo’s first Grammy nomination and win. Her performance in The Color Purple also earned her a Tony and an Emmy.

8.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Album (2020) —

Grammy Fact: Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, won his first Grammy after his second nomination in the Best Global Music Album category. 

9.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Music Video (2021) — “” with �����DzԳ�é

Grammy Fact: Of the 6 featured Nigerian artists, Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, was the only one who won a Grammy for his work on �����DzԳ�é’s The Lion King: The Gift album.

10.

Total wins: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Music Video (2021) — “” with �����DzԳ�é

Grammy Fact: Jenn Nkiru directed the “” music video.

Nigerians who have been nominated for a Grammy

1.

Total nominations: 15

Category and Year:

1. Best New Artist (1992)
2. Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male (1992)
3. Best Pop Album (1995) —
4. Album of the Year (1995) —
5. Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1995) — “”
6. Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1996) — “”
7. Song of the Year (1996) — “”
8. Record of the Year (1996) — “”
9. Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (1998) — “”
10.  Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (2005) — “”
11.  Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (2006) — “”
12.  Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (2008) — “”
13.  Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (2010) — “”
14.  Pop Collaboration With Vocals (2011) — “Imagine”
15.  Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (2019) —

Grammy Fact: Seal, born Olusegun Adeola, has been nominated at least four times each in the 1990s and the 2000s.

2.

Total nominations: 11

Category and Year:

1. Best World Music Album (2019) —
2. Best Global Music Album (2020) —
3. Best Global Music Performance (2022) — “” with Angelique Kidjo
4. Album of the Year (2022) — with Justin Bieber
5. Best Global Music Album (2023) —
6. Best Global Music Performance (2023) — “”
7. Best Melodic Rap Performance (2024) — “”
8. Best Global Music Album (2024) —
9. Best Global Music Performance (2024) — “”
10.  Best African Music Performance (2024) — “”
11.  Best African Music Performance (2025) — ““

Grammy Fact: Burna Boy, born Damini Ogulu, has been nominated for a Grammy every year since 2022.

3.

Total nominations: 8

Category and Year:

1. Best New Artist (1986)
2. Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group With Vocals (1987) — with Sade
3. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (1994) — “” with her namesake band, Sade
4. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (1995) — “” with Sade
5. Best Pop Vocal Album (2002) —
6. Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (2011) — “” with Sade
7. Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (2011) — “” with Sade
8. Best Long Form Music Video (2013) — “ with Sade

Grammy Fact: All of Sade Adu’s Grammy awards have been won alongside her namesake band, Sade.

4.

Total nominations: 8

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Performance (2021) — “” with Wizkid
2. Album of the Year (2023) — with �����DzԳ�é
3. Best Rap Song (2023) — “”
4. Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023) — “”
5. Best Song Written for Visual Media (2024) — “” with Rihanna
6. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “”
7. Best R&B Song (2025) — “”
8. Best Global Music Album —

Grammy Fact: Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, was the most nominated Nigerian at the 2023 Grammy Awards show. She had three.

5.

Total nominations: 6

Category and Year:

1. Best World Music Album (2003) — Fight To Win
2. Best Contemporary World Music Album (2008) —
3. Best World Music Album (2012) —
4. Best World Music Album (2014) —
5. Best Global Music Performance (2022) — “Pà Pá Pà”
6. Best Global Music Album (2022) — with Made Kuti

Grammy Fact: Femi Kuti is the most nominated Nigerian without a win.

6.

Total nominations: 5

Category and Year:

1. Album of the Year (2013) — with Frank Ocean
2. Best Rap Album (2018) —
3. Best Rap Album (2020) —
4. Best Rap Album (2022) —
5. Best Melodic Rap Performance (2022) — “”

Grammy Fact: Tyler, The Creator, born Gregory Okonma, is the first openly queer Nigerian to be nominated for a Grammy.

7.

Total nominations: 5

Category and Year:

1. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella (2015) — “” with Pentatonix
2. Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella (2016) — “” with Pentatonix
3. Best Country Duo/Group Performance (2017) — “” with Pentatonix and Dolly Parton
4. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (2023) —
5. Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album (2024) —

Grammy Fact: Kevin [Oluwole] Olusola is also a rapper, producer, cellist, and beatboxer for music group Pentatonix.

8.

Total nominations: 5

Category and Year:

1. Album of the Year (2017) — with Drake
2. Best Music Video (2021) — “” with �����DzԳ�é
3. Best Global Music Performance (2022) — “” 
4. Best Global Music Album (2022) —
5. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “” with Asake

Grammy Fact: Made In Lagos by Wizkid, born Ayodeji Balogun, is regarded as one of the most successful African music albums.

9.

Total nominations: 5

Category and Year:

1. Best Country Song (2025) — “”
2. Best Melodic Rap Performance (2025) — “” with �����DzԳ�é
3. Best Song of the Year (2025) — “”
4. Best Country Solo Performance (2025) — “”
5. Best New Artist (2025) — “”

Grammy Fact: Shaboozey, born Obinna Chibueze, earned an impressive five nominations in his breakout year, mostly due to his record-setting hit.

10.

Total nominations: 4

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Album (2024) —
2. Best African Music Performance (2024) — “”
3. Best Global Music Performance (2024) — “”
4. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “” with Chris Brown

Grammy Fact: Davido, born David Adeleke, had his first recognition at the Grammys came with three nominations in 2024. He didn’t win, but he’s a 2025 nominee, thanks to Breezy’s “Sensational”.

11.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording (1984) —
2. Best World Music Album (1999) —

Grammy Fact: The Juju music maestro is the first Nigerian to bag a Grammy nomination. Although KSA, born Adeniyi Adegeye, won none, he created a path for more Nigerian artists to come. Also the Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording category he was nominated for in 1984 has been split into what’s known as Best Traditional Folk Album and Best Contemporary Folk Album.

12.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best World Music Album (1998) —

Grammy Fact: In 1998, at age 70, Babatunde Olatunji bagged first nomination at the Grammys with his thirteenth album titled “Love Drum Talk”. He died in 2003.

13.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group (2007) — “”
2. Best Rap Song (2007) — “Ridin’”

Grammy Fact: This is Chamillionaire’s (Hakeem Temidayo Seriki) only Grammy-nominated song.

14.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (2016) — “”
2. Album of the Year (2022) — with Doja Cat

Grammy Facts: Jidenna’s first Grammy nomination was for his breakout, and so far only mainstream hit, “Classic Man”.

15.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Media Theatre Album (2017) —
2. Best Song Written for Visual Media (2021) — “” [From Harriet]

Grammy Fact: The Nigerian-British actress and singer, born Cynthia Chinasaokwu Erivo, has been booked to perform at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

16.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (2024) — “”
2. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (2024) —

Grammy Fact: Blessing Offor got two Grammy nominations off his third studio album.

17.

Total nominations: 2

Category and Year:

1. Best African Music Performance (2024) — “” with Olamide 
2. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “” with Wizkid

Grammy Fact: Asake, born Ahmed Lolade, has been nominated for collaborations in the same category two years in a row.

18.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Contemporary World Music Album (2008) —

Grammy Fact: Sikiru Adepoju contributed to this project as a percussionist.

19.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Rap Song (2013) — “”

Grammy Fact: Wale, born Olubowale Akintimehin, earned his first Grammy nomination with a song off his An Album About Nothing album.

20.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Album of the Year (2015) — with �����DzԳ�é

Grammy Fact: The Nigerian writer’s popular “We Should All Be Feminists” speech was sampled on �����DzԳ�é’s “.”

21.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Dance Recording (2017) — “” with DJ Riton

Grammy Fact: She, born Faridah Demola Seriki, and Wizkid were the only Nigerians nominated at the 2017 Grammys.

22.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best R&B Song (2018) — “” with Khalid

Grammy Fact: Tunji, born Olatunji Ige, was the only Nigerian nominated at the Grammys in 2018.

23.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best World Music Album (2019) —

Grammy Fact: This is Seun Kuti’s fifth album co-created with his Egypt 80 band, the band he inherited from his father, Fela Kuti.

24.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best New Artist (2021) —

Grammy Fact: Chika, born Chika Oranika, earned a Grammy nomination off the strength of her debut album, Industry Games.

25.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Music Video (2021) — “” with �����DzԳ�é

Grammy Fact: She also directed �����DzԳ�é and Jay-Z’s “Apeshit” music video.

25.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Album (2022) — with Femi Kuti

Grammy Fact: This album is Made Kuti’s collaborative effort with his father Femi Kuti. He joins the rich music heritage of the Kuti family.

27.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best New Artist (2023) —

Grammy Fact: Tobe Nwigwe snagged a Grammy nomination with his eleventh album.

28.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best African Music Performance (2024) — “” with Asake

Grammy Fact: This song is Olamide, born Olamide Adedeji, and Asake’s only collaboration on Asake’s album.

29.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Performance (2024) — “”

Grammy Fact: Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, was first nominated for a Grammy in 2024. 

30.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Performance (2025) — “”

Grammy Fact: This is [Yemi Eberechi] Alade’s first Grammy nomination.

31.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Global Music Album (2025) — HEIS

Grammy Fact: This is his first Grammy nomination. Rema, born Divine Ikubor, was predicted to earn his first nomination a year earlier for his record-breaking hit, “”.

32.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best African Music Performance (2025) — “” with Chris Brown

Grammy Fact: The feature on “” earned Lojay, born Lekan Osifeso Jnr., his first Grammy nomination.

33.

Total nominations: 1

Category and Year:

1. Best Melodic Rap (2025) — “”

Grammy Fact: Jordan Adetunji, aside from Rema, is the youngest Nigerian nominated for Grammy in 2025.

The 66th Grammy Awards was on Sunday, February 4, 2024, and all the nominated Nigerian artists lost out on receiving awards. However, Burna Boy’s iconic at the ceremony offered some solace, and Nigeria’s Federal Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa’s attendance also caused a stir.

Why is Honourable Hannatu �ѳܲ����ɲ����ٰ���Ի徱�Բ�?

Nigerians have had mixed reactions since photos of the minister at the award ceremony surfaced on social media on Monday, February 5. Some criticised the Tinubu government for wasting the country’s resources on an expensive ceremonial trip to Los Angeles.

Others brought up the minister’s previous NYSC ordeal.

What NYSC ordeal, you ask?

In 2020, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Musawa as the national commissioner representing the North-West geopolitical zone on the board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM). Before her senate hearing for this post, Musawa seeking a replacement certificate after her copy was destroyed in a fire incident. 

However, the NYSC wrote back saying the minister never collected her certificate. They refused to issue a new one, and instead, accused her of not completing the mandatory one-year service. This led to the .

Fast forward to August 2022, investigations revealed that Musawa approached the then Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, seeking his intervention to get the NYSC to release her withheld certificate. When this attempt also failed, she wrote to the NYSC requesting to re-enroll for the outstanding months of her service year.

Is Hannatu Musawa a serving corps member?

In August 2023, the Press and Public Relations Director of the NYSC, Eddy Megwa, that the minister was undergoing her mandatory youth service. He noted that Minister Musawa was in breach of the that frowns upon active corps members taking on government appointments, confirming to the press that the minister had served for the past eight months. By this calculation, Minister Musawa had probably completed her NYSC service as of the 2024 Grammy Award ceremony, but there’s been no official communication to that effect.

Why was Honourable Musawa at the Grammys?

The minister attended the ceremony to support the country’s creative sector and celebrate the contributions of the nominated artistes. Through a by her SA on Media and Publicity, she said:

“I wish to applaud you all for making it this far in your music and entertainment careers. Nigerians celebrate you all for your contributions to the growth of the music industry in Nigeria and globally.”

Despite the anticipation of Nigerians, Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Star, Asake and Olamide all lost out on awards across different categories. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Tyla won the newly introduced and highly coveted Best African Music Performance category at the award ceremony. 

Here’s a list of other big winners at the Grammy Awards 2024.

Best African Music Performance

Amapiano – Asake and Olamide

City Boys – Burna Boy

Water – Tyla WINNER

Unavailable – Davido Featuring Musa Keys

Rush – Ayra Starr

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Burna Boy Featuring 21 Savage

Attention – Doja Cat

All My Life – Lil Durk Featuring J. Cole WINNER

Spin Bout U – Drake & 21 Savage

Low – SZA

Best Global Music Album

���辱�ڲ���í���� — Susana Baca

History — Bokanté

I Told Them… — Burna Boy

This Moment – Shakti WINNER

Timeless — Davido

Best Rap Album

Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage

Michael – Killer Mike WINNER

Heroes & Villains – Metro Boomin

King’s Disease III – Nas

Utopia – Travis Scott

Producer of the Year, Non-classical

Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

Jack Antonoff – WINNER

Hit Boy

Metro Boomin

Daniel Nigro

Songwriter of the Year, Non-classical

Edgar Barrera

Jessie Jo Dillon

Shane McAnally

Theron Thomas – WINNER

Justin Tranter

Best Global Music Performance

Shadow Forces – Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily

Alone – Burna Boy

Pashto – Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia WINNER

FEEL – Davido

Milagro Y Desastre – Silvana Estrada

Abundance In Millets – Falu & Gaurav Shah (Featuring PM Narendra Modi)

Best Album Notes

Evenings At The Village Gate: John Coltrane With Eric Dolphy (Live)

Written In Their Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos – WINNER

I Can Almost See Houston: The Complete Howdy Glenn

Mogadishu’s Finest: The Al Uruba Sessions

Playing For The Man At The Door: Field Recordings From The Collection Of Mack McCormick, 1958–1971

Best Music Film

How I’m Feeling Now – Lewis Capaldi

Live From Paris, The Big Steppers Tour – Kendrick Lamar

Moonage Daydream – David Bowie WINNER

I Am Everything – Little Richard

Dear Mama – Tupac Shakur

Best Music Video

In Your Love – Tyler Childers

I’m Only Sleeping – The Beatles WINNER

What Was I Made For – Billie Eilish

Count Me Out – Kendrick Lamar

Rush – Troye Sivan

Best Song Written For Visual Media

Barbie World (From Barbie The Album)

What Was I Made For? (From “Barbie The Album”) – WINNER

Dance The Night (From “Barbie The Album”)

I’m Just Ken (From “Barbie The Album”)

Lift Me Up (From “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By”)

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Call Of Duty®: Modern Warfare II – Sarah Schachner

Hogwarts Legacy – Peter Murray, J Scott Rakozy & Chuck E. Myers “Sea”, composers

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – Stephen Barton & Gordy Haab WINNER

God Of War Ragnarök – Bear McCreary, composer

Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical – Montaigne, Tripod & Austin Wintory, composers

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Ludwig Göransson

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny – John Williams

Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson WINNER

Barbie – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt

The Fabelmans – John Williams

Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

Aurora

Barbie The Album – WINNER

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix, Vol. 3

Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

Best Comedy Album

I Wish You Would – Trevor Noah

I’m An Entertainer – Wanda Sykes

What’s In A Name? – Dave Chappelle – WINNER

Selective Outrage – Chris Rock

Someone You Love – Sarah Silverman

Best Gospel Album

I Love You – Erica Campbell

Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music

All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett WINNER

My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds

Best Roots Gospel Album

Tribute To The King – The Blackwood Brothers Quartet

Echoes Of The South – Blind Boys Of Alabama WINNER

Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman

Meet Me At The Cross – Brian Free & Assurance

Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light – Gaither Vocal Band

Best Rap Album

Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage

MICHAEL – Killer Mike WINNER

HEROES & VILLAINS – Metro Boomin

King’s Disease III – Nas

UTOPIA – Travis Scott

Best R&B Album

Girls Night Out – Babyface

JAGUAR II – Victoria Monét WINNER

What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe) – Coco Jones

Special Occasion – Emily King

CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP – Summer Walker

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Desire, I Want To Turn Into You

History

Jaguar II – WINNER

Multitudes

The Record

Best Immersive Audio Album

God Of War Ragnarök (Original Soundtrack)

Act 3 (Immersive Edition)

The Diary Of Alicia Keys – WINNER

Blue Clear Sky

Silence Between Songs

Head to the for more updates about the awards. 

READ ALSO: Grammy Awards 2024: A Breakdown of Nigeria’s Nominated Artists and Winners Since 2017

Not much happened for a while, but in the last eight years, some of Nigeria’s finest talents have managed over 20 nominations across categories. Here’s a breakdown of wins and nominations since 2017.

2017 Grammy Awards

The 2017 Grammy Awards ceremony was held on February 12, 2017, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Two Nigerians were nominated in two different categories.

Best Dance Recording

 snagged a nomination for her efforts as a featured artist on Riton’s Rinse & Repeat.

Best Album

Wizkid was nominated as a featured artist on Drake’s album, Views.

Best Musical Theater Album

The British actress and singer, Cynthia Erivo, won the Grammy Award category alongside cast members who worked on the soundtrack album for  movie.

2018 Grammy Awards

The 2018 Grammy Awards ceremony was on January 28 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Two Nigerians were nominated in two categories for their efforts as featured artists.

Best R&B Award

American artist, , was nominated as a producer on Location, a record by Khalid.

Best Reggae Album

Timaya was nominated for his feature on Morgan Heritage’s Avrekedabra album.

2019 Grammy Awards

The 61st Grammy Awards ceremony was held on February 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Only one Nigerian artist made it to the nomination list.

Best World Music Album

Seun Kuti and his band, Egypt 80, were nominated for their album, Black Times.

2020 Grammy Awards

The 62nd Grammy Awards ceremony was held on January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Burna Boy was the only Nigerian artist who made the nomination list that year, marking the beginning of his impressive run with the Recording Academy.

Best Global Music Album

Burna Boy was nominated as a standalone act for his album, African Giant. However, he lost the award to Angelique Kidjo.

2021 Grammy Awards

The 63rd Grammy Awards went down on March 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. There was no live audience due to social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. Two Nigerian artists were nominated across two categories.

World Music Album

Burna Boy’s Twice As Tall bagged a nomination, making him the first Nigerian artist to be nominated twice in a row. The nomination also marked his first Grammy win.

Best Music Video

Wizkid was nominated in the category for his efforts on Beyonce’s song, Brown Skin Girl. The nomination marked Wizkid’s first Grammy win by association.

2022 Grammy Awards

The 64th Grammy Awards ceremony was on April 3, 2022, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. It was an exciting year for Nigerians as four artists were nominated across categories, with Wizkid and Femi Kuti bagging two nominations each. Neither of them won.

Best Global Music Performance

Wizkid ft. Tems — Essence

Femi Kuti — Pà Pá Pà

Best Global Music Album

Wizkid — Made in Lagos

Femi & Made Kuti — Legacy +

2023 Grammy Awards

The Grammys returned for its 65th edition on February 5 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Two Nigerian artists bagged nominations. Tems won her first Grammy by association for her work on Wait For U.

Best Global Music Performance

Burna Boy — Last Last

Best Global Music Album

Burna Boy  — Love, Damini

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Future ft. Drake and Tems — Wait For U

Best Rap Song

Future ft. Drake and Tems — Wait For U

2024 Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards 2024 edition will be held on Sunday, February 4, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. This time around, a newly announced Best African Music category by the Recording Academy gave room for more Nigerian artists to be nominated.

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Burna Boy — Sittin’ On Top Of The World

Best Global Music Album

Davido — Timeless

Burna Boy — I Told Them

Best Global Music Performance

Burna Boy — Alone

Davido — Feel

Best African Music Performance

Burna Boy — City Boys

Davido — Unavailable

Asake, Olamide — Amapiano

Ayra Starr — Rush

Fireboy DML and CKay earned a nomination each in the Album of the Year category for their efforts on Jon Batiste’s World Music Radio and Janelle Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure respectively.

Tems’ bagged a nomination in the Best Song Written for Visual Media category for her contribution to Rihanna’s Lift Me Up.

While we anticipate the Grammy Awards 2024 winners’ announcement, you should read this: Do Nigeria’s Biggest Artists Really Need the Grammys?

Take this quiz and we’ll tell you which Twice As Tall song you are.

Go ahead:

Burna Boy’s exceptional African Giant is easily the best Nigerian album of 2019, as well as one of the best of the past decade, so it comes as no surprise that it recently nabbed a well-deserved Grammy nomination for ‘Best World Music Album’.

While Burna Boy’s talents cannot be praised enough, it’s also worth noting that this album wouldn’t be what it is without the brilliant Kel P, who produced over half the tracks. So, we decided to reach out to 2019’s defining beatsmith to ask how the game-changing album came to be.

On meeting Burna Boy:

So, around August last year, Ceeza Milli recorded Burna Boy on one of my beats. Burna Boy asked who made it, and Ceeza told him about me. The next day, I got a call from both of them to link up and that was how I met him.

On first discussing ‘African Giant’:

I never knew I was coming to make an album. I just knew I was there to record songs. We didn’t really have any serious conversation or even a moment to get to know each other beforehand. We were just working and the vibe was smooth.

On main inspiration:

My main inspiration was Burna Boy himself. His previous songs, the ones he released before I met him, influenced my work on the new songs. I was also influenced by his unique vocal texture and writing.

On the difficulty level:

It was very tasking. I was basically indoors for an entire month, grinding to make sure every song sounded different. Burna is a fast writer — he can record four complete hit songs in a single day.

On his favourite track:

My favourite track is definitely “Wetin Man Go Do”. The composition is somehow simple and dynamic all at the same time. The vocals and adlibs also blend really smoothly together.