The 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marked a significant moment for African music, with both historic recognition for a legend and continued success for a rising star. While hosted by Trevor Noah for the final time, the ceremony celebrated music released between , and , and saw Tyla and Fela Kuti as central figures in a night that underscored the continent’s growing influence on the global music landscape.
Fela Kuti Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, a first for any African artist. The award, presented during the Special Merit Awards ceremony on , was accepted by his children, including musician Femi Kuti, who spoke of the recognition as a testament to his father’s enduring global impact. This acknowledgement solidifies Kuti’s position as a global pioneer whose influence continues to resonate decades after his passing. The award isn’t merely a celebration of a musical legacy; it’s a recognition of Kuti’s fearless artistry and cultural impact, a legacy that continues to inspire artists across genres and continents.
Tyla’s Continued Rise with “Push 2 Start”
South African singer Tyla continued her ascent with a win for Best African Music Performance, awarded for her song “Push 2 Start.” This victory marks her second win in the category, following her 2024 win for “Water,” and further cements her international profile. The win also highlights the growing global visibility of Amapiano and South African pop music. Tyla’s success isn’t isolated; it’s indicative of a broader trend of African genres gaining traction on the world stage.
Tyla triumphed over a competitive field of nominees including Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”). The strength of the nominees underscores the depth and diversity of musical talent emerging from Africa, and the increasing recognition of that talent by the Recording Academy.
A Night of Representation, But Room for Growth
While Tyla and Kuti’s wins were significant, the night wasn’t without its near misses for other African artists. Burna Boy, Angélique Kidjo, and Youssou N’Dour all received nominations in global music categories but did not secure wins. This highlights a continuing challenge for African artists – gaining recognition in the broader Grammy categories beyond those specifically designated for African music. Despite these setbacks, the presence of multiple nominees demonstrates a growing engagement with African music within the industry.
Shaboozey’s Historic Country Win
Adding another layer to the evening’s celebration of African talent, Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” alongside Jelly Roll. Shaboozey, whose heritage is Igbo-Nigerian, used his acceptance speech to pay tribute to his mother and to highlight the contributions of immigrants to the United States, stating that “immigrants literally built this country.” This win is particularly noteworthy as it represents a crossover success story, demonstrating the expanding influence of African diaspora artists in genres beyond those traditionally associated with the continent.
The Broader Context of African Music’s Global Impact
The 2026 Grammys took place at a pivotal moment for African music. Afrobeats and Amapiano, in particular, are not simply participating in global pop culture; they are actively shaping it, influencing production trends, and achieving chart dominance. The success of artists like Tyla and Burna Boy, coupled with the lifetime achievement award for Fela Kuti, signals a shift in the industry’s perception of African music – from a niche interest to a mainstream force.
The ceremony, hosted by Trevor Noah for the final time, served as a platform to showcase this evolution. Noah’s presence as host, itself a testament to African representation on a global stage, added another layer of significance to the evening. His final hosting gig coincided with a year where African artists weren’t just present at the Grammys, but actively contributing to the defining moments of the show.
The wins and nominations at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards are not simply accolades; they are indicators of a larger cultural shift. African music is no longer on the periphery; it’s at the center of the conversation, influencing global trends and inspiring a new generation of artists. The legacy of Fela Kuti, combined with the contemporary success of artists like Tyla and Shaboozey, paints a picture of a vibrant and dynamic musical landscape poised for continued growth and recognition.
