The 2026 Grammy considerations for African artists have been revealed, and it’s a fascinating, sprawling list that says a lot about the scene. The big guns—Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tyla—are all vying for the top spots. However, it’s the kind of submissions that has the timeline talking. With the official nominations dropping on 7 November, here’s the honest breakdown of who submitted what, and what the fans really think.
The Titans vs. Themselves
As expected, Wizkid and Burna Boy are aiming high, submitting their albums for the industry’s biggest prizes. Wizkid’s Morayo and Burna Boy’s No Sign of Weakness are both up for Album of the Year and Best Global Album.
However, the public reaction has been decidedly lukewarm. The online consensus is that neither project was a standout, with some critics dubbing it a “battle of the mid” for the Global Album category.
This scepticism extends to other submissions. Wizkid, who leads with the most entries, also put forward “Piece of My Heart” for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Yet, many fans feel the Afro-R&B track falls flat. His self-directed video for “Kese (Dance)” is also up for Best Music Video, a move that many online have dismissed, questioning its “high school graduation dance moves.”
The New Guard’s Power Play
This is where the conversation gets interesting. While the titans are testing their legacy, the new guard is submitting the anthems that actually defined the year.
Ayra Starr’s “Hot Body” has been submitted for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, and the streets are in agreement. The public sentiment is that this was the true anthem—delivering the melody, rhythm, and self-empowerment that many felt the “boys failed to deliver.” Tyla, meanwhile, is confidently building on her 2025 win, submitting “Push 2 Start” across all major categories (ROTY, SOTY, Best African Music Performance) and “Is It” for Best Pop Solo Performance, showing her ambition beyond regional categories.
Darkoo’s Visual & Collaborative Strategy
Then there’s Darkoo, who is playing an entirely different—and very smart—game. While she features alongside Olamide on Wizkid’s “Billionaires Club” submission (for Best African Music Performance), her solo entries show a focus on the total artistic project.
Her Give Me Love F1 Album is up for Best Compilation Soundtrack, Best Recording Package, and, crucially, the brand-new Best Album Cover category. It’s a savvy move, aiming for technical and visual awards that celebrate the project’s entire aesthetic, not just a single.
A Continent-Wide Field
Beyond the West African power players, the list shows the incredible depth of the continent. Tanzania’s Harmonize has multiple entries in the Best African Music Performance category, as does Ghana’s Gyakie. South African producer Heavy-K is a strong contender for Best Global Music Album with The Anointed, and Sierra Leone’s The Therapist (“GOBE”) also joins the race.
This diverse line-up proves that while the big names draw the headlines, the categories are becoming a truer reflection of the continent’s wide-ranging talent.
The Awaiting Game
With the Recording Academy’s new rules and a voting body that now includes Davido, the landscape is shifting. It’s a waiting game now. The official nominees drop on 7 November 2025. We’ll be watching to see if the voting Academy is feeling the same way as the streets.
