2026 GRAMMY PREDICTIONS: Will Davido Finally Clinch His First Win?

The 2026 Grammy Awards draw close, and once again, The Best African Music Performance is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable category on the ballot. Following last year’s outcome, where Tems took home the award, fans and industry heads seem to be buzzing about who will take the next award home.

This year, the category is stacked with talent that spans from Afrobeats heavyweights to global crossover hits. Ahead of the award, here are our early predictions for the tracks and artists most likely to take the trophy home.

1. Burna Boy – “Love”

Burna Boy heads into the race with 11 Grammy nominations and just one win so far,  a stat that continues to fuel the “overdue” conversation around his Grammy journey. While he’s never won Best African Music Performance, “Love” could be his moment. The record carries global appeal, emotional depth, and the kind of polish the Recording Academy often rewards.

Given his consistency, international influence, and long-standing presence in Grammy conversations, Burna Boy stands a strong chance of clinching his second Grammy win, and his first in this category.

Prediction:  Has a high chance to win but might miss the trophy

2. Ayra Starr & Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”

Ayra Starr earns her second Grammy nomination, this time alongside Nigerian superstar Wizkid, marking a major career milestone and signaling her rising global influence. Teaming up with Wizkid amplifies her chances, blending her fresh energy with his established Grammy history.

“Gimme Dat” has the star power and crossover appeal that Grammy voters often favour, making this duo one of the strongest threats to the frontrunners. If the Academy leans into momentum and mainstream impact, this collaboration could easily take the trophy.

Prediction: Third in place to win

3. Tyla – “Push 2 Start”

Tyla made history as the first to win in this category, giving her both credibility and momentum heading into 2026. “With “Push 2 Start”, she continues to bridge African rhythm and global pop, and if voters prioritize international chart dominance, she could absolutely upset the frontrunners. What’s lacking is the cultural buzz.

While she faces stiff competition from Burna Boy and Ayra Starr/Wizkid, Tyla remains a dark horse who could repeat her magic.

Prediction: It has a 90% chance of winning

4. Davido & Omah Lay – “With You”

Davido has now been nominated four times at the Grammys, but has yet to secure a win. This year, he enters the conversation with “With You” featuring Omah Lay, the standout anthem off his album FIVE.

The track combines emotional resonance, chart dominance, and global reach, hitting the sweet spot Grammy voters often reward. After multiple near-misses, this could finally be Davido’s moment to clinch his first Grammy, especially with the combination of superstar influence and a highly regarded album behind him.

Prediction: Most likely to win

5. Eddy Kenzo – “Hope and Love” (feat. Mehran Matin)

Eddy Kenzo steps in as the underdog in this category, representing East Africa with his uplifting track “Hope and Love”. While he lacks the global chart dominance of Burna Boy or Davido, the song’s cross-cultural collaboration and positive message make it a contender for voters looking to reward diversity and originality.

If there’s a surprise upset this year, Kenzo could be the one to deliver it, though the odds remain stacked against him.

Prediction: Not poised to win, but hey! It’s the grammys.

Conclusion:

No matter who takes home the trophy, one thing is clear: African music is no longer just a category, it’s a global movement. From Burna Boy’s relentless rise to Davido’s long-awaited shot, Ayra Starr’s fresh energy, Tyla’s historic momentum, and Eddy Kenzo’s underdog spirit, this year’s race is stacked with talent, diversity, and unforgettable hits.

This is only the third year of the Best African Music Performance category, and so far, only women have taken home the award. Will the women continue their winning streak, or will one of the men finally break the chain in 2026?

The 2026 Grammys will not just crown a winner, they will showcase the full power and influence of Africa’s sound on the world stage. Whatever happens, this is one category you cannot afford to miss.