By Peter Omopo
The 2026 Grammy Awards have concluded in Los Angeles, marking another memorable night for global music as artists from across genres and continents were recognised for outstanding achievements.
While Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr earned nominations, the Best African Music Performance award went to South African singer Tyla for her hit single “Push 2 Start.” The category also featured “Love” by Burna Boy, “With You” by Davido featuring Omah Lay, “Gimme Dat” by Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid, and “Hope & Love” by Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin.
In the major categories, Kendrick Lamar emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners. His collaboration with SZA, “Luther,” clinched Record of the Year and Best Melodic Rap Performance, while his album GNX won Best Rap Album. The Album of the Year award went to Bad Bunny for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, further cementing his dominance on the global stage.
Billie Eilish’s “WILDFLOWER” claimed Song of the Year, while Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist, marking a major breakthrough in her career. Lady Gaga also enjoyed success, with MAYHEM winning Best Pop Vocal Album, and “Abracadabra” securing Best Dance Pop Recording.
In other notable wins, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande took home Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Defying Gravity,” while The Cure’s Songs of a Lost World won Best Alternative Music Album. In rock categories, Turnstile’s NEVER ENOUGH was named Best Rock Album, while YUNGBLUD and collaborators won Best Rock Performance.
The ceremony also celebrated global and roots music. Bad Bunny won Best Global Music Performance for “EoO”, while Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia claimed Best Global Music Album with Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo. In reggae, Keznamdi’s BLXXD & FYAH won Best Reggae Album.
Historic recognition was also given to Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, who received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to earn the honour.
The 2026 Grammy Awards once again highlighted the diversity and global reach of contemporary music, celebrating artists across pop, hip-hop, rock, R&B, gospel, country, jazz and world music categories.
