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Nigeria’s musical evolution has transformed from local rhythms to a global force that now commands the attention of the world’s biggest music platforms.
The Grammy Awards — long considered the pinnacle of global music recognition — have increasingly reflected this reality, acknowledging Nigerian artistes for their innovation, creativity, and cultural influence.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 Grammy Awards, it’s worth celebrating the Nigerian acts who have racked up the most nominations over the years — both homegrown stars and those representing the diaspora. Their accomplishments not only showcase the power of Afrobeats and its variants but also highlight how Nigerian sounds continue to redefine world music.
Burna Boy – 13 Nominations
When it comes to Grammy history among Nigerian artistes, Burna Boy stands in a class of his own. Since his global breakout, the self-styled “African Giant” has maintained a near-constant presence at the Grammys, blending Afro-fusion, dancehall, and hip-hop with unmatched confidence.
His first major nod came in 2020 for African Giant, followed by a win the following year for Twice as Tall in the Best Global Music Album category. From Do Yourself to Last Last, and most recently Love and City Boys, Burna’s consistency across multiple categories — including Global Music, Rap Performance, and African Music — cements him as Nigeria’s most-decorated Grammy nominee to date, with 13 nominations and one win.
Sade Adu – 9 Nominations
Long before Afrobeats dominated global charts, Sade Adu laid the foundation for Nigerian artistry on the international stage. Her timeless fusion of soul, jazz, and R&B not only earned her a loyal global following but also a total of nine Grammy nominations.
From her debut as Best New Artist in 1986 to her Grammy-winning Lovers Rock album in 2002, Sade’s legacy remains intact. Songs like No Ordinary Love and Soldier of Love are still regarded as classics, and her recent nomination for Young Lion (2026) proves her artistry continues to resonate across generations.
Tems – 8 Nominations
In just a few years, Tems has redefined what global crossover success looks like for a Nigerian artist. With her ethereal voice and genre-bending style, she has become a fixture on the Grammy stage, boasting eight nominations and several wins.
Her first nod came via Wizkid’s Essence in 2021, before her own accolades rolled in — including two wins in 2023 for Wait for You, her collaboration with Future and Drake. She’s also earned recognition for Lift Me Up (with Rihanna), Love Me Jeje, and Born in the Wild. Tems’ unique ability to bridge Afrobeats, R&B, and pop has solidified her as one of Africa’s most successful contemporary exports.
Wizkid – 6 Nominations
Few artists have contributed more to Afrobeats’ global expansion than Wizkid. With six Grammy nominations to his name — including a win for Brown Skin Girl alongside Beyoncé — he remains a symbol of modern African excellence.
His critically acclaimed album Made in Lagos earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album, while Essence became a worldwide anthem that landed him another nod. Wizkid’s continued recognition, including collaborations like MMS with Asake and Gimme Dat with Ayra Starr, shows his enduring impact on the world stage.
Femi Kuti – 6 Nominations
Carrying forward the powerful Afrobeat legacy of his father, Fela Kuti, Femi Kuti has carved out his own space in Grammy history. With six nominations, including those for Fight to Win, Day by Day, and Legacy+ (with Made Kuti), Femi’s work embodies the spirit of activism, culture, and musical excellence that defines Nigerian artistry.
Davido – 5 Nominations
One of Afrobeats’ most influential figures, Davido, made a strong Grammy debut with three nominations in 2024, including Best Global Music Album for Timeless. His hit Unavailable with Musa Keys and Feel reinforced his global reach, while his later nominations for Sensational (with Chris Brown and Lojay) and With You (featuring Omah Lay) show that he’s not slowing down anytime soon.
Sunny Ade – 2 Nominations
Often regarded as the pioneer of international recognition for Nigerian music, King Sunny Ade received two Grammy nominations decades apart — first in 1984 for Synchro System and again in 1999 for Odu. His early success helped pave the way for later generations of Nigerian artists to dream bigger.
Asake & Ayra Starr – 2 Nominations Each
Two of the brightest stars of the Afrobeats era, Asake and Ayra Starr, have quickly joined the Grammy conversation with two nominations each. Asake’s Amapiano (with Olamide) and MMS (with Wizkid) earned him back-to-back recognition, while Ayra Starr’s Rush and Gimme Dat (with Wizkid) highlight her rise as a new-generation powerhouse.
From legends like Sade and Sunny Ade to global trendsetters like Burna Boy, Tems, and Wizkid, Nigerian musicians continue to rewrite the narrative of African excellence. With every nomination, they reaffirm that the world is not just listening to Nigerian music — it’s dancing to it, celebrating it, and recognizing its brilliance on the grandest stage of all.
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