The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, was a night defined by historical pivots and the undeniable power of global sounds. While the “Big Four” categories saw monumental wins for established icons, the real conversation revolved around the rhythmic dominance of the African continent and the rising tide of Latin music.
A Night of Historic Firsts
The evening’s top honors reflected a Recording Academy that is finally catching up to the world’s listening habits. Shaboozey and Jerry Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for Amen. Bad Bunny made history as his project Debí Tirar Más Fotos became the first all-Spanish language album to win Album of the Year. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home Record of the Year for their collaboration Luther, becoming the rapper’s 26th win(most) in the award’s history, while Billie Eilish secured Song of the Year for her haunting ballad Wildflower.
Major Winners at a Glance
| Category | Winner |
| Album of the Year | Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos |
| Record of the Year | Kendrick Lamar & SZA – Luther |
| Song of the Year | Billie Eilish – Wildflower |
| Best New Artist | Olivia Dean |
| Best Rap Album | Kendrick Lamar – GNX |
| Best Pop Vocal Album | Lady Gaga – Mayhem |
Nigeria: The Powerhouse in the Room
The nomination list for the 68th Grammys read like a Lagos festival lineup. For the third consecutive year, Nigerian artists maintained a “heavyweight” presence, particularly in the Best African Music Performance category. The shortlist was dominated by the usual suspects of Afrobeats excellence:
- Burna Boy with his soulful track Love
- Davido and Omah Lay for their infectious hit With You
- Ayra Starr and Wizkid for the collaborative anthem Gimme Dat
Despite this saturation of talent, the night was deemed to be one of “so close yet so far” for the Nigerian contingent. Davido. Burna Boy who also secured a nod for Best Global Music Album with No Sign of Weakness, lost to Brazilian legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia. This left many fans reflecting on a night where Nigerian music was the life of the party but ultimately left without the golden gramophone.
Tyla: The Queen of Afropop Cements Her Dynasty
If anyone was going to disrupt the Nigerian dominance, it was South Africa’s Tyla. Proving that her 2024 breakout was no flash in the pan, Tyla won Best African Music Performance for her viral smash Push 2 Start.
“Tyla has become the face of a new era. By winning this category twice in its three year existence, she has effectively claimed the throne of African pop.”
🚨Tyla with her #Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance 🤩🏆 pic.twitter.com/qFR2f4V98z
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) February 2, 2026
At just 24 years old, Tyla’s win signifies the global staying power of African Pop. Her ability to blend the rhythmic log drums of South Africa with high polish R&B has created a “Tyla Effect” that resonates across borders. By defeating a field of Nigeria’s most decorated artists, she cemented her status as a global pop star who happens to be African, rather than just a regional act.
A Legacy Honored
While the contemporary stars fought for trophies, the night also paid homage to the foundations. In a deeply moving moment, the late Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Accepted by his children Femi, Yeni, Kunle, and Shalewa, the award served as a bridge between the genre’s rebellious roots and its current status as a billion dollar global export.
The 2026 Grammys will be remembered not just for who won, but for how the world’s music borders have permanently shifted. African music is no longer just “visiting” the global stage; it is playing a part in deciding the tempo.