Africa’s current wave of global dominance in music is reflected in the shortlist of artists likely to secure GRAMMY nominations today. The projected list includes acts that have challenged the definition of what it means to be an African artist, pushing the boundaries of their respective genres while expanding the global music and African music categories beyond conventional frameworks.
DAVIDO – ‘5IVE’ The Album (Best Global Music Album)
Davido anchors the list. The 5ive Album remains a benchmark in global album craft, striking a balance between Afrobeats/Nigerian culture and structure, Western-standard engineering, and crossover vocal control. It’s a logical Best Global Music Album contender.
DAVIDO – “WITH YOU” featuring Omah Lay (Best African Music Performance)
Davido’s record “With You” positions him again in Best African Music Performance, a very strong contender for a nomination at the 68th Grammy Awards. The song ‘With You” samples Pa. Bright Chimeze’s “Because of English” and Stanley Nnorom’s “ARABANKO”, two original Nigerian heritage classics, spotlighting Davido’s ear for outstanding musical delivery. From the master record to the official video, the execution of this single earns Davido his place at the 68th Grammy Awards.
DAVIDO – “OFFA ME” featuring Victoria Monét (Best African Music Performance)
This is my personal favourite on the 5IVE album and also the first Davido collaboration designed as a deliberate GRAMMY crossover, merging Afrobeats pulse with R&B precision. The first video I ever saw was Davido getting geared up to bust moves like Michael Jackson, and as Africans, dance is the pulse of our living and our music; that’s why I see this song as a strong contender in today’s announcement.
TYLA & Wizkid – “Dynamite” (Best African Music Performance/Best Global Music Performance)
Rhythmic and intimate, its nomination potential for both Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance reflects its dual-market viability; it’s structured for both African sonic syntax and Western placements, and since the collaborative efforts between music stars in South Africa and Nigeria, we have begun to see the impact of merging or crossing cultures, as the popular term goes.
I personally feel like TYLA & Wizkid should be able to snag a nod at the 68th Grammy Awards nomination.
Amaarae – “Black Star” (Best Global Music Album)
When I say music has to evolve, I’m talking about what Amaarae did on the Black Star project. It belongs in the Best Global Music Album discussion for its audacious experimentation. It redefines pan-African alternative pop through tonal layering, genre collapse, and a self-contained production language that ignores Western mimicry. She carries her home country, Ghana, on her back, signalling responsibility and representation.
Shallipopi & Burna Boy – “Laho II” (Best African Music Performance)
This song totally asserts the street-to-stage transition in Nigerian sound culture. Its potential nomination is driven by its rawness and feel-good vibe. Should Shallipopi get a nomination for this song, this would mark his first nomination/entry for the Grammy Awards.
Rema – “Is It a Crime” (Best African Music Performance)
Rema positions himself as an emotional technician. His control over pitch and melodic phrasing allows the record to occupy a crossover lane without loss of origin.
Coming off his nomination at the 67th Grammy Awards, Rema might snag a nod yet again this year.
Olamide – “Billionaires Club” featuring Wizkid & Darkoo (Best African Music Performance)
This would mark Olamide’s first Grammy nod, which is long overdue if you ask me.
Olamide has held down the Nigerian industry for decades, and I would say he deserves his place in the Afrobeats Mount Rushmore. His newly released project ‘Olamide”, reinforces his curatorial dominance. Both records demonstrate maturity in structure and tone, capturing the progression from local dominance to global readability.
Gunna – “Forever Be Mine” featuring Wizkid/ “WGFT” ft. Burna Boy (Best Melodic Rap Performance)
Gunna has been on a roll in 2025, and with the singles off his newly released project “The Last Wun”, he is a strong contender for Best Melodic Rap Performance entries. They fuse trap melodies and logic with African demeanour, which is a notable pattern in most African and Western collaborations.
There go my top picks for this year’s nomination ceremony. Wishing all contenders good luck and congratulations to the nominees.
Disclaimer:
The following commentary reflects the personal opinions and professional analysis of Recording Academy member Manny King John. It does not represent, reflect, or imply any official position, endorsement, or viewpoint of the Recording Academy, its affiliates, or its voting bodies.
