Nigerian music powerhouse Burna Boy has once again cemented his place in history, becoming the first African artist to earn Grammy nominations for seven consecutive years. The feat underscores his global dominance and enduring creativity in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats.
The Recording Academy announced the 2026 Grammy nominations on Friday, with Burna Boy receiving nods in two major categories. His song “Love” was recognized in the Best African Music Performance category, while his latest project, “No Sign of Weakness,” earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album. This brings the 34-year-old’s total Grammy nominations to 13 — including his landmark win in 2021 for “Twice As Tall” in the Best Global Music Album category.
Since breaking into global consciousness with “Outside,” Burna Boy has maintained a remarkable streak of excellence. His consistent presence at the Grammys reflects not just individual brilliance but also the steady rise of African music on the global stage. Critics have described his latest record-breaking run as a defining moment for Nigeria’s music industry, proving that the Afrobeats sound is no longer a regional genre — it’s a world movement.
Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Grammys runs deep this year. Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid have all secured nominations in the Best African Music Performance category alongside Burna Boy. Davido’s “With You” featuring Omah Lay, Ayra Starr’s collaboration with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat,” and Burna Boy’s “Love” are joined by Ugandan star Eddy Kenzo’s “Hope & Love” featuring Mehran Matin, and South African breakout Tyla’s “Push 2 Start.”
Also, read: Africa’s Stars Shine at the 2026 Grammy Awards: A New Chapter in Global Recognition
Burna Boy’s competition in the Best Global Music Album category is equally fierce, featuring an impressive lineup of world music legends. He goes head-to-head with Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour (“Éclairer le Monde”), Indian sitarist Anoushka Shankar (“Chapter III: We Return to Light”), Brazilian icons Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia (“Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo”), and the cross-cultural fusion group Shakti (“Mind Explosion”).
Music analysts have hailed Burna Boy’s seven-year Grammy streak as both historic and inspirational. It’s a testament to his evolution as an artist and to Africa’s growing influence in shaping the global soundscape. His artistry continues to push boundaries — blending Afro-fusion, dancehall, and global rhythms in ways that resonate far beyond the continent.
In the 2025 Grammy season, Tems led the Nigerian contingent with three nominations, marking a significant milestone for female representation in Afrobeats. But Burna Boy’s continuous run has now set an unbroken record for African artists, affirming his reign as one of the continent’s most consistent and celebrated exports.
The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, celebrating over 95 categories spanning pop, rap, gospel, R&B, and world music. Last year, Tems took home the Best African Music Performance award for “Love Me Jeje,” triumphing over fellow Nigerian stars Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
As Burna Boy eyes yet another Grammy win, one thing is clear — Africa’s rhythm continues to set the pace for the world.
