The Nigerian music industry continues to make waves on the global stage, with its artistes increasingly commanding international attention and acclaim.
From Afrobeats pioneers to contemporary chart-toppers, Nigerian musicians are not only shaping global sounds but also earning recognition at prestigious award platforms like the Grammys.
In a historic turn, several Nigerian artistes have secured multiple Grammy nominations, underscoring the country’s growing influence in the international music scene.
These nominations span a variety of categories, from Best Global Music Album to Best African Music Performance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Nigerian talent.
Ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards, TVC News Digital profiles the Nigerian artistes, both homegrown and in the diaspora, who have earned the most nominations, reflecting years of consistent excellence and international appeal.
Among them are iconic names such as Burna Boy, who has set records with career album nominations, and other stars like Omah Lay and Ayra Starr, who continue to push Afrobeats into global mainstream consciousness.
This surge in recognition not only celebrates the artistes’ individual achievements but also cements Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse in global music, demonstrating the cultural and commercial impact of the country’s creative industry.
As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, anticipation builds over which Nigerian artistes will convert their nominations into historic wins, further elevating the nation’s musical footprint worldwide.
Below are Nigerian artistes who have earned the most nominations:
1. Burna Boy (13 nominations)
Best World Music Album: ‘African Giant’ (2020)
Best Global Music Album: ‘Twice as Tall’ (2021) — won
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Do Yourself’ (2022)
Album of the Year (featured artist): ‘Justice: Triple Chucks Deluxe’ (2022)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Last Last’ (2023)
Best Global Music Album: ‘Love, Damini’ (2023)
Best Melodic Rap Performance: ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World’ (2024)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Alone’ (2024)
Best African Music Performance: ‘City Boys’ (2024)
Best Global Music Album: ‘I Told Them…’ (2024)
Best African Performance: ‘Higher’ (2025)
Best Global Music Album: ‘No Sign of Weakness’ (2026)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Love’ (2026)
2. Sade Adu (9 nominations)
READ ALSO: I’m not Fascinated About Grammys, But I Want it For Davido – Omah Lay
Best New Artist: ‘Sade’ (1986)
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: ‘Promise’ (1987)
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: ‘No Ordinary Love’ (1994)
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: ‘Please Send Me Someone to Love’ (1995)
Best Pop Vocal Album: ‘Lovers Rock’ (2002) — won
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: ‘Soldier of Love’ (2011)
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals: ‘Babyfather’ (2011)
Best Long Form Music Video: ‘Bring Me Home – Live 2011’ (2013)
Best Music Video: ‘Young Lion’ (2026)
3. Tems (8 nominations)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Essence’ (with Wizkid) (2021)
Album of the Year (featured artist): ‘RENAISSANCE’ (with Beyoncé) (2023)
Best Rap Song: ‘Wait for You’ (2023) — won
Best Melodic Rap Performance: ‘Wait for You’ (2023) — won
Best Song Written for Visual Media: ‘Lift Me Up’ (with Rihanna) (2024)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Love Me Jeje’ (2025) — won
Best R&B Song: ‘Burning’ (2025)
Best Global Music Album: ‘Born in the Wild’ (2025)
4. Wizkid (6 nominations)
Album of the Year: ‘Views’ (with Drake) (2016)
Best Music Video: ‘Brown Skin Girl’ (with Beyoncé, SAINt JHN & Blue Ivy) (2021) — won
Best Global Music Album: ‘Made in Lagos’ (2022)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Essence’ (with Tems) (2022)
Best African Music Performance: ‘MMS’ (with Asake & Wizkid) (2025)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Gimme Dat’ (with Ayra Starr) (2026)
5. Femi Kuti (6 nominations)
Best World Music Album: ‘Fight to Win’ (2003)
Best Contemporary World Music Album: ‘Day by Day’ (2010)
Best World Music Album: ‘Africa for Africa’ (2012)
Best World Music Album: ‘No Place for My Dream’ (2014)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Pà Pà Pà’ (2022)
Best Global Music Album: ‘Legacy+’ (with Made Kuti) (2022)
6. Davido (5 nominations)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Unavailable’ (featuring Musa Keys) (2024)
Best Global Music Performance: ‘Feel’ (2024)
Best Global Music Album: ‘Timeless’ (2024)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Sensational’ (with Chris Brown & Lojay) (2025)
Best African Performance: ‘With You’ (with Omah Lay’ (2026)
7. Sunny Ade (2 nominations)
Best World Music Album: ‘Synchro System’ (1984)
Best World Music Album: ‘Odu’ (1999)
8. Asake (2 nominations)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Amapiano’ (with Olamide) (2024)
Best African Music Performance: ‘MMS’ (with Wizkid) (2025)
9. Ayra Starr (2 nominations)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Rush’ (2024)
Best African Music Performance: ‘Gimme Dat’ (with Ayra Starr) (2026)
