How Africa performed at the 68th GRAMMY Awards. See list of winners

The 68th Grammy Awards held on Sunday, celebrating the musicians and recordings that shaped the past year.

This year’s nominations arrived as African music firmly claimed its place at the center of global culture. From Lagos to Johannesburg, Accra to Nairobi, and every vibrant musical hub in between, the continent’s sound continued to move how the world dances, feels, remembers, mourns, and celebrates.

African artistes did not just participate in the global conversation—they led, defined it, and infused it with unmatched energy, spirit, and soul.

Historic Wins

The legendary Fela Kuti became the first winner of the weekend, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award, making him the first African artist ever honored with this recognition. His children — Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti — accepted on his behalf. “I’m sure my father is smiling down on us,” Yeni said during the emotional tribute.

During Sunday’s Awards Premiere Ceremony, South African superstar Tyla won Best African Music Performance for “Push 2 Start.” The win marks her second in the category, triumphing over Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Eddy Kenzo, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid.

In the global categories, Angélique Kidjo did not secure a win for her “Jerusalema” cover in Best Global Music Performance, and both Burna Boy (No Sign of Weakness) and Youssou N’Dour (Eclairer Le Monde) fell short in Best Global Music Album.

Nigerian American artist Shaboozey earned a breakthrough victory, taking home Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” with Jelly Roll. In his speech, he underscored the power of immigrant communities, reminding the audience that “immigrants literally built this country.”

List of 2026 grammy winners

Song of the Year

•Billie Eilish – Wildflower

Best Pop Solo Performance

• Lola Young – Messy

Best Pop Vocal Album

• Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Best Contemporary Country Album

• Jelly Roll – Beautifully Broken

Best Música Urbana Album

• Bad Bunny – Debí Tirar Más Fotos

Best New Artist

• Olivia Dean

Best Rap Album

• Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Best Dance-Pop Recording

• Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Pop

• Best Pop Vocal Album: Lady Gaga – Mayhem

Best Pop Solo Performance: Lola Young – Messy

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: • • Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande – Defying Gravity

Dance/Electronic

• Best Dance/Electronic Recording: Tame Impala – End Of Summer

Best Dance/Electronic Album: FKA Twigs – Eusexua

Best Dance/Pop Recording: Lady Gaga – Abracadabra

Rock

Best Rock Performance: Yungblud ft Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman II – Changes (Live From Villa Park)

Best Rock Song: Nine Inch Nails – As Alive As You Need Me To Be

Best Rock Album: Turnstile – Never Enough

Alternative

• Best Alternative Music Album: The Cure – Songs Of A Lost World

Best Alternative Music Performance: • The Cure – Alone

Metal

• Best Metal Performance: Turnstile – Birds

Rap

• Best Rap Performance: Clipse, Pusha T & Malice feat Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams – Chains & Whips

Best Melodic Rap Performance: Kendrick Lamar with SZA – Luther

Best Rap Song: Kendrick Lamar feat Lefty Gunplay – TV Off

Best Rap Album: Kendrick Lamar – GNX

Country

Best Country Solo Performance: Chris Stapleton – Bad As I Used To Be

Best Country Song: Tyler Childers – Bitin’ List

R&B / Afrobeats

Best R&B Performance: Kehlani – Folded

Best R&B Song: Kehlani – Folded

Best R&B Album: Leon Thomas – Mutt

Best African Music Performance: Tyla – Push 2 Start

Production & Songwriting

Producer of the Year (Non-Classical): Cirkut

Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical): Amy Allen

Comedy

Best Comedy Album: Nate Bargatze – Your Friend, Nate Bargatze

Visual Media

Best Compilation Soundtrack: Sinners – Various Artists

Best Score Soundtrack (Film/TV): Ludwig Göransson – Sinners

Best Score for Video Games: Austin Wintory – Sword of the Sea

Best Song Written for Visual Media: Huntr/x – Golden

Best Music Video: Doechii – Anxiety

Best Music Film: Music by John Williams

Jazz

Best Jazz Vocal Album: Samara Joy – Portrait

Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Sullivan Fortner – Southern Nights

Best Alternative Jazz Album: Nate Smith – Live-Action

Best Jazz Performance: Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – Windows (Live)

Musical Theatre & Classical

Best Musical Theatre Album: Buena Vista Social Club

Best Opera Recording: Heggie: Intelligence

Best Orchestral Performance: Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie – Boston Symphony Orchestra

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