No Ghanaian artiste secured a nomination in the 2026 GRAMMYs, marking yet another year of frustration for the West African nation’s vibrant music scene, despite high hopes and submissions from stars like Black Sherif, Shatta Wale, Gyakie, Moliy, and Stonebwoy.
The Best African Music Performance category, now in its third year, was completely swept by artistes from Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, underscoring the growing global dominance of Afrobeats and Amapiano while leaving Ghanaian highlife, drill, and dancehall influences on the sidelines.
Nigeria emerged as the undisputed powerhouse with multiple nods: Burna Boy for “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay on “With You,” and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid on “Gimme Dat.” Burna Boy doubled up with a nomination for Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness.
South Africa’s Tyla continued her streak with “Push 2 Start,” building on her historic 2024 win, while Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo teamed up with Mehran Matin for “Hope & Love,” bringing East African flavor to the mix.
This isn’t new, Ghanaian producers have powered winning tracks behind the scenes, but artists remain overlooked in major categories, fueling debates about industry push, exposure, and GRAMMY voting biases toward Nigeria’s Afrobeats machine.
