What You Should Know Before the 2026 Grammys Go Down Tonight

The nominations, the snubs, the fan wars, and what Nigerians are already debating

It’s Grammy day. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards take place tonight at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, hosted by Trevor Noah. As always, the Grammys will celebrate global music excellence — but for Nigerian fans, this year feels more personal than usual.

Afrobeats is no longer the “new sound” at the Grammys. It is now part of the main conversation, and Nigerian artists are right at the centre of it. Before the winners are announced, here is the context that matters.

Nigeria Comes First — This Is a Big Night for Nigerian Music

For many Nigerian fans, Grammy night is no longer just about watching performances. It is about recognition, validation, and global respect for a sound that started at home and is now shaping pop culture worldwide.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy already has a Grammy to his name. He won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall, a landmark win that placed Nigerian music firmly on the world stage. Since then, he has remained a regular in Grammy conversations, showing that his presence is not a one-time moment but sustained influence.

Davido

Davido’s Grammy journey is one fans watch closely. He has received multiple nominations over the years but has not secured a win yet. That history is exactly why his current nomination matters so much. For many fans, this feels like a long-overdue moment.

His supporters argue that few artists have pushed Afrobeatsglobally the way he has, and they see this nomination as another test of whether the Grammys truly recognise cultural impact.

Omah Lay

This marks Omah Lay’s first Grammy nomination. For an artist whose international growth has been rapid, this is a significant milestone. It signals that newer voices in Afrobeatsare not just breaking charts but entering global award conversations.

Ayra Starr

Ayra Starr is back in the Grammy conversation with another nomination after previously being nominated for “Rush.” She already made history as one of the youngest Nigerian female artists to be nominated in her category, and her return shows consistency, not luck.

Many see her as part of the new generation carrying Afrobeatsforward.

Wizkid

Wizkid is already a Grammy winner, thanks to his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl,” which won Best Music Video in 2021. That win counts, but fans often point out it was a collaborative recognition.

This year’s nomination keeps him in the spotlight, and some supporters believe a major solo Grammy moment is still ahead of him.

Tems

Tems is one of the notable absences this year. Despite strong submissions and a big year musically, she did not receive a nomination this cycle. Considering she won Best African Music Performance at the previous Grammys, her absence is one of the talking points fans are calling a snub.

The Fan Wars Have Already Started

Before any envelope is opened tonight, social media has already turned the Grammys into a debate arena.

Team Ayra vs Team Tyla

The loudest debate right now is Ayra Starr versus Tyla.

Both represent the new wave of African pop stars. Both have global visibility. Both have strong fan bases. Online conversations frame this as more than a category — fans are treating it like a symbolic win for the future of African female pop.

Team Ayra argues that her consistency and growth earn her the edge.

Team Tyla supporters point to her crossover success and international breakout.

At this point, it is less about prediction and more about pride.

Team Davido vs Team Wizkid

Then comes the rivalry that never sleeps.

Some fans insist Davido has been nominated and overlooked too many times and deserves the win now. Others argue Wizkid’s Grammy history and global catalogue already place him in a different legacy lane.

This debate goes beyond awards. It is about influence, history, and bragging rights.

So What Does This Mean for Nigerians?

This Grammy cycle represents three major things for Nigerian music:

First, Afrobeats is no longer a guest on the global stage.

Nigerian artists are now expected in these rooms. That shift matters.

Second, legacy conversations are growing.

Burna Boy is building a sustained Grammy presence. Davidois still chasing that defining win. Wizkid continues to balance past wins with future expectations. Ayra Starr and Omah Lay represent the next generation stepping in.

Third, Nigerian fans are more invested than ever.

The Grammys have become a culture moment at home. Wins feel collective. Snubs feel personal. Every result sparks national debate.

Whether the trophies come home or not, Nigerian music is clearly shaping global sound and conversation.

Global Context You Should Know

Beyond Nigeria, the night has its own international storylines.

Kendrick Lamar enters the night as one of the most nominated artists, putting hip-hop back at the centre of Grammy attention. Trevor Noah’s return as host also adds familiarity and global appeal to the ceremony.

Major performances from global pop and R&B stars are expected to be highlights, as usual.

Who Are You Rooting For?

Before the winners are announced, the question is simple:

Which Nigerian artist do you want to see win tonight?

• Burna Boy

• Davido

• Ayra Starr

• Wizkid

• Omah Lay

And on the global side, who has your support?

The Grammys will give the trophies. Fans will decide the conversations.

Drop your predictions.

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