An Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Fela was just inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the Early Influence category, making him the first Nigerian-born artist, and the first African solo artist, to receive the honor.

The Hall has long celebrated artists who reshaped global music, and Fela’s inclusion cements Afrobeats within that pantheon. It also serves as a long-overdue cultural correction. For decades, African musical innovations have profoundly influenced international sounds without institutional recognition. Fela’s induction validates not only his genius but the entire tradition he forged from jazz, highlife, funk, and Yoruba rhythms.

A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In January 2026, Fela received a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, becoming the first African artist to earn this distinction.

He never won a Grammy in his lifetime, yet the world continues to catch up. This honor acknowledges the enduring power of his fusion of infectious grooves with sharp political lyricism. From Lagos dancehalls to global stages, his sound has inspired generations of musicians across continents.

Fela Kuti Legacy and International Recognition

These posthumous milestones are part of a broader revival. The Broadway musical Fela!, backed by producers like Jay-Z and Will Smith, brought his life and music to international theater audiences, blending biography, dance, and rebellion in true Fela fashion.

His tracks have been sampled, studied, and reinterpreted across genres. Documentaries, vinyl reissues, academic courses, and cultural exhibitions continue to treat his work not merely as entertainment, but as vital historical testimony.

Fela’s Enduring Message

What sets Fela apart is that his art was never just sonic. Through Afrobeat, he forged a powerful language of resistance. Songs like “Zombie” and “Sorrow, Tears and Blood” addressed topics such as military brutality, corruption, and colonial legacies with fearless satire and rhythmic urgency. Decades later, these tracks feel strikingly contemporary amid ongoing struggles with governance and inequality across Africa and beyond.

Fela documented realities that persist, and that timeless relevance explains why his music doesn’t age.

The Legend Time Could Not Contain

To call Fela a legend feels almost inadequate. Legends are remembered; Fela is continually rediscovered.

Nearly thirty years after his death, he is still achieving historic firsts that many artists pursue in their lifetimes: the first Nigerian in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the first African to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and a global influence that keeps expanding.

Perhaps that is the ultimate legacy: not simply to be remembered, but to keep demanding attention, reflection, and action long after one is gone.

The post Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Is Making History Nearly Three Decades Later appeared first on Afromixx.

African Representation: A Defining Force

African artists and those of African descent claimed significant victories and nominations, affirming the continent’s indelible impact on global music.

Best African Music Performance went to South African sensation Tyla for “Push 2 Start”, marking her second consecutive win in the category. She bested a powerhouse lineup:

• “Love” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• “With You” – Davido feat. Omah Lay (Nigeria)
• “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid (Nigeria)
• “Hope & Love” – Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (Uganda)

Tyla’s victory underscores Amapiano’s global ascent and her personal dominance.

In a profoundly historic moment, Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti received the Lifetime Achievement Award—the first ever for an African artist. His children accepted on his behalf, paying tribute to his revolutionary legacy.

Nigerian-American breakout Shaboozey won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen” (with Jelly Roll). His acceptance speech resonated deeply: “Immigrants literally built this country,” a timely statement amid ongoing debates.

Additional nominations highlighted Africa’s breadth:

• Burna Boy – Best Global Music Album (No Sign of Weakness)
• Angélique Kidjo (Benin) – Best Global Music Performance
• Youssou N’Dour (Senegal) – Best Global Music Album

These moments reflect the Recording Academy’s commitment to inclusivity, as African rhythms continue to reshape mainstream genres.

Key Winners in Major Categories

Across 95 categories, the night featured surprises and sweeps. Here are highlights from the General Field and select others:

Notable cross-genre wins included Lady Gaga for “Abracadabra” (multiple categories) and genre-blending recognition like Shaboozey’s country triumph.

Standout Highlights and Performances

The ceremony dazzled with high-energy performances:

• Lady Gaga → Theatrical spectacle for “Abracadabra”
• Justin Bieber → Emotional return to the Grammy stage
• Rosé & Bruno Mars → Infectious duet on “APT.”
• Sabrina Carpenter and others

Emotional peaks included the Fela Kuti tribute and Shaboozey’s speech. The red carpet showcased bold fashion, with African artists infusing cultural flair.

Trevor Noah’s sharp hosting tied the evening together, blending humor with reverence for music’s unifying power.

The 2026 Grammys proved music transcends borders, with African voices not only present but leading the conversation. As the industry evolves, nights like this signal a truly global era ahead.

Below, find out the complete list of Grammys winners for 2026, updated as the awards are announced.

Best Pop/Duo Group Performance

WINNER: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande: “Defying Gravity”
Huntr/x: “Golden”
Katseye: “Gabriela”
Rosé & Bruno Mars: “Apt.”
SZA With Kendrick Lamar: “30 for 30”

Best Music Video

Clipse: “So Be It”
WINNER: Doechii: “Anxiety”
OK Go: “Love”
Sabrina Carpenter: “Manchild”
Sade: “Young Lion”

Best Song Written for Visual Media

Elton John & Brandi Carlile “Never Too Late (From the Film Elton John: Never Too Late)”
WINNER: Huntr/x: “Golden”
Jayme Lawson: “Pale, Pale Moon”
Miles Caton: “I Lied to You”
Nine Inch Nails: “As Alive as You Need Me to Be”
Rod Wave: “Sinners”

Best Traditional Blues Album

WINNER: Buddy Guy: Ain’t Done With the Blues
Charlie Musselwhite: Look Out Highway
Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush: Young Fashioned Ways
Maria Muldaur: One Hour Mama: The Blues of Victoria Spivey
Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’: Room on the Porch

Best American Roots Performance

Alison Krauss & Union Station: “Richmond on the James”
I’m With Her: “Ancient Light”
Jason Isbell: “Crimson and Clay”
Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman: “Lonely Avenue”
WINNER: Mavis Staples: “Beautiful Strangers”

Best Americana Album

Jesse Welles: Middle
WINNER: Jon Batiste: Big Money
Larkin Poe: Bloom
Molly Tuttle: So Long Little Miss Sunshine
Willie Nelson: Last Leaf on the Tree

Best Americana Roots Song

WINNER: I’m With Her: “Ancient Light”
Jason Isbell: “Foxes in the Snow”
Jesse Welles: “Middle”
Jon Batiste: “Big Money”
Sierra Hull: “Spitfire”

Best Americana Performance

Jesse Welles: “Horses”
Maggie Rose & Grace Potter: “Poison in My Well”
WINNER: Mavis Staples: “Godspeed”
Molly Tuttle: “That’s Gonna Leave a Mark”
Sierra Hull: “Boom”

Best Traditional Country Album

Charley Crockett: Dollar a Day
Lukas Nelson: American Romance
Margo Price: Hard Headed Woman
Willie Nelson: Oh What a Beautiful World
WINNER: Zach Top: Ain’t in It for My Health

Best Contemporary Blues Album

Eric Gales: A Tribute to LJK
Joe Bonamassa: Breakthrough
WINNER: Robert Randolph: Preacher Kids
Samantha Fish: Paper Doll
Southern Avenue: Family

Best Country Song

Lainey Wilson: “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton: “A Song to Sing”
Shaboozey: “Good News”
WINNER: Tyler Childers: “Bitin’ List”
Zach Top: “I Never Lie”

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

George Strait Featuring Chris Stapleton: “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”
Margo Price Featuring Tyler Childers: “Love Me Like You Used to Do”
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton: “A Song to Sing”
Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert & Lainey Wilson: “Trailblazer”
WINNER: Shaboozey & Jelly Roll: “Amen”

Best Country Solo Performance

WINNER: Chris Stapleton: “Bad as I Used to Be”
Lainey Wilson: “Somewhere Over Laredo”
Shaboozey: “Good News”
Tyler Childers: “Nose on the Grindstone”
Zach Top: “I Never Lie”

Best Metal Performance

Dream Theater: “Night Terror”
Ghost: “Lachryma”
Sleep Token: “Emergence”
Spiritbox: “Soft Spine”
WINNER: Turnstile: “Birds”

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

Marc Marcel: Black Shaman
Omari Hardwick & Anthony Hamilton: Pages
Queen Sheba: A Hurricane in Heels: Healed People Don’t Act Like That (Partially Recorded Live @City Winery & Other Places)
Saul Williams & Carlos Niño & Friends: Saul Williams Meets Carlos Niño & Friends at Treepeople (Live)
WINNER: Skillz: Words for Days, Vol. 1

Best Rap Song

Clipse: “The Birds Don’t Sing” [ft. John Legend, Voices of Fire]
Doechii: “Anxiety”
Glorilla: “TGIF”
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar: “TV Off” [ft. Lefty Gunplay]
Tyler, the Creator: “Sticky” [ft. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne]

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Fridayy & Meek Mill: “Proud of Me”
JID, Ty Dolla $ign & 6lack: “Wholeheartedly”
WINNER: Kendrick Lamar & SZA: “Luther”
PartyNextDoor & Drake: “Somebody Loves Me”
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody: “WeMaj”

Best Rap Performance

Cardi B: “Outside”
WINNER: Clipse, Kendrick Lamar, Pusha T & Malice: “Chains & Whips”
Doechii: “Anxiety”
Kendrick Lamar: “TV Off” [ft. Lefty Gunplay]
Tyler, the Creator: “Darling, I” [ft. Teezo Touchdown]

Best R&B Album

Coco Jones: Why Not More?
Giveon: Beloved
Ledisi: The Crown
WINNER: Leon Thomas: Mutt
Teyana Taylor: Escape Room

Best Progressive R&B Album

Bilal: Adjust Brightness
Destin Conrad: Love on Digital
WINNER: Durand Bernarr: Bloom
Flo: Access All Areas
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon: Come as You Are

Best R&B Song

Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller: “It Depends”
Durand Bernarr: “Overqualified”
WINNER: Kehlani: “Folded”
Leon Thomas: “Yes It Is”
Summer Walker: “Heart of a Woman”

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Durand Bernarr: “Here We Are”
Lalah Hathaway: “Uptown”
Ledisi: “Love You Too”
WINNER: Leon Thomas: “Vibes Don’t Lie”
SZA: “Crybaby”

Best R&B Performance

Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller: “It Depends”
Justin Bieber: “Yukon”
WINNER: Kehlani: “Folded”
Leon Thomas: “Mutt (Live from NPR’s Tiny Desk)”
Summer Walker: “Heart of a Woman”

Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical

WINNER: Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Laura Veltz
Tobias Jesso Jr.

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Blake Mills
WINNER: Cirkut
Dan Auerbach
Dijon
Sounwave

Best Immersive Audio Album

Duckwrth: All American F**k Boy
WINNER: Justin Gray: Immersed
Tearjerkers: Tearjerkers
Trio Mediæval: Yule
Various Artists: An Immersive Tribute to Astor Piazzolla (Live)

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Alison Krauss & Union Station: Arcadia
Cam: All Things Light
Japanese Breakfast: For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)
WINNER: Pino Palladino & Blake Mills: That Wasn’t a Dream

Best Alternative Music Album

Bon Iver: SABLE, fABLE
WINNER: The Cure: Songs of a Lost World
Hayley Williams: Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party
Tyler, the Creator: Don’t Tap the Glass
Wet Leg: Moisturizer

Best Alternative Music Performance

Bon Iver: “Everything Is Peaceful Love”
WINNER: The Cure: “Alone”
Hayley Williams: “Parachute”
Turnstile: “Seein’ Stars”
Wet Leg: “Mangetout”

Best Rock Album

Deftones: Private Music
Haim: I Quit
Linkin Park: From Zero
WINNER: Turnstile: Never Enough
Yungblud: Idols

Best Rock Performance

Amyl and the Sniffers: “U Should Not Be Doing That”
Hayley Williams: “Mirtazapine”
Linkin Park: “The Emptiness Machine”
Turnstile: “Never Enough”
WINNER: Yungblud, Nuno Bettencourt & Frank Bello Featuring Adam Wakeman & II: Changes (Live From Villa Park / Back to the Beginning)”

Best Rock Song

Hayley Williams: “Glum”
WINNER: Nine Inch Nails: “As Alive as You Need Me to Be”
Sleep Token: “Caramel”
Turnstile: “Never Enough”
Yungblud: “Zombie”

Best Dance Pop Recording

WINNER: Lady Gaga: “Abracadabra”
PinkPantheress: “Illegal”
Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco: “Bluest Flame”
Tate McRae: “Just Keep Watching”
Zara Larsson: “Midnight Sun”

Best Music Film

Devo: Devo
Diane Warren: Relentless
WINNER: John Williams: Music by John Williams
Pharrell Williams: Piece by Piece
Raye: Live at the Royal Albert Hall

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

WINNER: Austin Wintory: Sword of the Sea
Gordy Haab: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
Pinar Toprak: Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires
Wilbert Roget, II: Helldivers 2
Wilbert Roget, II & Cody Matthew Johnson: Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

John Powell: How to Train Your Dragon
John Powell & Stephen Schwartz: Wicked
Kris Bowers: The Wild Robot
WINNER: Ludwig Göransson: Sinners
Theodore Shapiro: Severance: Season 2

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Timothée Chalamet: A Complete Unknown
Various Artists: F1® the Album
Various Artists: KPop Demon Hunters
WINNER: Various Artists: Sinners
Various Artists: Wicked

Best Tropical Latin Album

Alain Pérez: Bingo
Gilberto Santa Rosa: Debut y Segunda Tanda, Vol. 2
WINNER: Gloria Estefan: Raíces
Grupo Niche – Clásicos 1.0
Rubén Blades Featuring Roberto Delgado & Orquesta: Fotografías

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

Bobby Pulido: Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y una Mía – Por la Puerta Grande (En Vivo)
WINNER: Carín León: Palabra de To’s (Seca)
Fuerza Regida & Grupo Frontera: Mala Mía
Grupo Frontera: Y Lo Que Viene
Paola Jara: Sin Rodeos

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Aterciopelados: Genes Rebeldes
Bomba Estéreo, Rawayana & Astropical: Astropical
WINNER: Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso: Papota
Fito Páez: Novela
Los Wizzards: Algorhythm

Best Latin Pop Album

Alejandro Sanz: ¿Y Ahora Qué?
Andrés Cepeda: Bogotá (Deluxe)
Karol G: Tropicoqueta
WINNER: Natalia Lafourcade: Cancionera
Rauw Alejandro: Cosa Nuestra

Best Remixed Recording

The Chemical Brothers & Chris Lake: “Galvanize (Chris Lake Remix)”
Huntr/x & David Guetta: “Golden (David Guetta Rem/x)”
WINNER: Lady Gaga & Gesaffelstein: “Abracadabra (Gesaffelstein Remix)”
Mariah Carey & Kaytranada: “Don’t Forget About Us (Kaytranada Remix)”
Soul II Soul: “A Dreams a Dream (Ron Trent Refix)”

Best Dance/Electronic Album

WINNER: FKA twigs: Eusexua
Fred Again..: Ten Days
PinkPantheress: Fancy That
Rüfüs Du Sol: Inhale / Exhale
Skrillex: F*ck U Skrillex You Think Ur Andy Warhol but Ur Not!! <3

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

Disclosure & Anderson .Paak: “No Cap”
Fred Again.., Skepta & PlaqueBoyMax: “Victory Lap”
Kaytranada: “Space Invader”
Skrillex: “Voltage”
WINNER: Tame Impala: “End of Summer”

Best Historical Album

Doc Pomus: You Can’t Hip a Square: The Doc Pomus Songwriting Demos
WINNER: Joni Mitchell: Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980)
Nick Drake: The Making of Five Leaves Left
Various Artists: Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980 (Analog Africa No.41)
Various Artists: Super Disco Pirata – De Tepito Para el Mundo 1965-1980 (Analog Africa No.39)

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

Allison Charney & Benjamin Loeb: Alike – My Mother’s Dream
WINNER: Amanda Forsythe, Robert Mealy, Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs: Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias for Soprano
Devony Smith, Danny Zelibor & Michael Nicolas: In This Short Life
Sidney Outlaw & Warren Jones: Black Pierrot
Susan Narucki & Curtis Macomber: Kurtág: Kafka Fragments
Theo Hoffman & Steven Blier: Schubert Beatles

Best Classical Instrumental Solo

Adam Tendler: “Inheritances”
Curtis Stewart & Michael Repper: “Coleridge-Taylor: 3 Selections From “24 Negro Melodies””
Mary Dawood Catlin, Jesús David Medina & Raniero Palm: “Hope Orchestrated”
WINNER: Yo-Yo Ma & Andris Nelsons – Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos
Yuja Wang & Andris Nelsons – Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos; Solo Works

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

WINNER: Dalai Lama: Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Fab Morvan: You Know It’s True: The Real Story of Milli Vanilli
Kathy Garver: Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story
Ketanji Brown Jackson: Lovely One: A Memoir
Trevor Noah: Into the Uncut Grass

Best Comedy Album

Ali Wong: Single Lady
Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…
WINNER: Nate Bargatze: Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
Sarah Silverman: PostMortem

Best Children’s Music Album

Flor Bromley: Herstory
WINNER: Fyütch & Aura V: Harmony
Joanie Leeds & Joya: Ageless: 100 Years Young
Mega Ran: Buddy’s Magic Tree House
Tori Amos: The Music of Tori and the Muses

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

WINNER: Arkai: Brightside
Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda & Antonio Sánchez: BEATrio
Bob James & Dave Koz: Just Us
Charu Suri: Shayan
Gerald Clayton: Ones & Twos

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

WINNER: Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound: “Donnacha Dennehy: Land of Winter”
Lili Haydn & Paul Cantelon: “Lullabies for the Brokenhearted”
Mak Grgić & Mateusz Kowalski: “Slavic Sessions”
Neave Trio: “La mer: French Piano Trios”
Third Coast Percussion: “Standard Stoppages”

Best Choral Performance

Anne Akiko Meyers, Los Angeles Master Chorale & Grant Gershon: “Billy Childs: In the Arms of the Beloved”
The Clarion Choir & Steven Fox: “Requiem of Light”
Conspirare & Craig Hella Johnson: “Advena: Liturgies for a Broken World”
The Crossing & David Nally: “David Lang: Poor Hymnal”
WINNER: Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel & Alisa Weilerstein: “Gabriela Ortiz: Yanga”

Best Opera Recording

Alan Pierson, The Choir of Trinity Wall Street & Silvana Quartet: “Kouyoumdjian: Adoration (Live)”
American Composers Orchestra & Carolyn Kuan: “Huang Ruo: An American Soldier”
Emily D’Angelo, Ellie Dehn, Ben Bliss, Kyle Miller, Greer Grimsley, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera Chorus & Yannick Nézet-Séguin: “Tesori: Grounded (Live)”
WINNER: Houston Grand Opera, Kwamé Ryan, Janai Brugger, Jamie Barton & J’Nai Bridges: “Jake Heggie: Intelligence”
Irish National Opera & Elaine Kelly: “O’Halloran: Trade / Mary Motorhead”

Best Orchestral Performance

WINNER: Andris Nelsons & Boston Symphony Orchestra: “Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie”
Esa-Pekka Salonen – San Francisco Symphony: “Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements”
Gustavo Dudamel & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela: “Ravel: Boléro, M. 81”
Michael Repper & National Philharmonic: “Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Op. 46 – Ballade Op. 4 – Suites From ’24 Negro Melodies’”
Yannick Nézet-Séguin & The Philadelphia Orchestra: “Still & Bonds: Symphonies & Variations”

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

Cody Fry: “What a Wonderful World”
Jacob Collier: “Keep an Eye on Summer”
Lawrence: “Something in the Water (Acoustic-ish)”
WINNER: Nate Smith & Säje: “Big Fish”
Seth MacFarlane: “How Did She Look?”

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

Cynthia Erivo: “Be Okay”
Nordkraft Big Band & Remy Le Boeuf: “A Child Is Born”
The Westerlies: “Fight On”
WINNER: The 8-Bit Big Band: “Super Mario Praise Break”

Best Instrumental Composition

John Powell & Stephen Schwartz: “Train to Emerald City”
Ludwig Göransson Featuring Miles Caton: “Why You Here / Before the Sun Went Down (From “Sinners” Score)”
Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra: “Live Life This Day: Movement I”
WINNER: Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz: “First Snow”
Sierra Hull: “Lord, That’s a Long Way”
Zain Effendi: “Opening”

Producer of the Year, Classical

Blanton Alspaugh
Dmitriy Lipay
WINNER: Elaine Martone
Morten Lindberg
Sergei Kvitko

Best Engineered Album, Classical

Andris Nelsons, Kristine Opolais, Günther Groissböck, Peter Hoare, Brenden Gunnell & Boston Symphony Orchestra: Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk District
The Cleveland Orchestra & Franz Welser-Möst: Eastman: Symphony No. 2: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2
WINNER: Sandbox Percussion: Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Third Coast Percussion: Standard Stoppages
Trio Mediæval: Yule

Best Regional Roots Music Album

Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet: Live at Vaughan’s
Kyle Roussel: Church of New Orleans
Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band: For Fat Man
Trombone Shorty & New Breed Brass Band: Second Line Sunday
WINNER: Various Artists: A Tribute to the King of Zydeco

Best Musical Theater Album

WINNER: Buena Vista Social Club
Death Becomes Her
Gypsy
Just in Time
Maybe Happy Ending

Best Jazz Vocal Album

Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap: Elemental
Michael Mayo: Fly
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach & Tom Scott Featuring Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold, Rachel Eckroth & Sam Weber: Live at Vic’s Las Vegas
WINNER: Samara Joy: Portrait
Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell: We Insist 2025!

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

WINNER: Carla Patullo: Nomadica
Cheryl B. Engelhardt & Gem: According to the Moon
Chris Redding: The Colors in My Mind
Jahnavi Harrison: Into the Forest
Kirsten Agresta-Copely: Kuruvinda

Best Reggae Album

Jesse Royal: No Place Like Home
WINNER: Keznamdi: Blxxd & Fyah
Lila Iké: Treasure Self Love
Mortimer: From Within
Vybz Kartel: Heart & Soul

Best Global Music Album

Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar: Chapter III: We Return to Light
Burna Boy: No Sign of Weakness
WINNER: Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia: Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo
Shakti: Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live)
Siddhant Bhatia: Sounds of Kumbha
Youssou N’Dour – Éclairer le monde: Light the World

Best African Music Performance

Ayra Starr & Wizkid: “Gimme Dat”
Burna Boy: “Love”
Davido Featuring Omah Lay: “With You”
Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin: “Hope & Love”
WINNER: Tyla: “Push 2 Start”

Best Global Music Performance

Angélique Kidjo: “Jerusalema”
Anoushka Shankar Featuring Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar: “Daybreak”
WINNER: Bad Bunny: “Eoo”
Ciro Hurtado: “Cantando en el Camino”
Shakti: “Shrini’s Dream (Live)”
Yeisy Rojas: “Inmigrante y Que?”

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Barbra Streisand: The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume 2
Elton John & Brandi Carlile: Who Believes in Angels?
Jennifer Hudson: The Gift of Love
Lady Gaga: Harlequin
Laila Biali: Wintersongs
WINNER: Laufey: A Matter of Time

Best Alternative Jazz Album

Ambrose Akinmusire: Honey From a Winter Stone
Brad Mehldau: Ride into the Sun
Immanuel Wilkins: Blues Blood
WINNER: Nate Smith: Live-Action
Robert Glasper: Keys to the City Volume One

Best Latin Jazz Album

Arturo O’Farrill: The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico (Live at Town Hall)
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra: Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley
WINNER: Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro: A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole
Miguel Zenón Quartet: Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at the Village Vanguard
Paquito D’Rivera – Madrid-New York Connection Band: La Fleur de Cayenne

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

WINNER: Christian McBride: Without Further Ado, Vol 1
Danilo Pérez & Bohuslän Big Band: Lumen
Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra: Basie Rocks!
Kenny Wheeler Legacy Featuring The Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra & Frost Jazz Orchestra: Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores
Sun Ra Arkestra: Lights on a Satellite
The 8-Bit Big Band: Orchestrator Emulator

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Branford Marsalis Quartet: Belonging
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade: Trilogy 3 (Live)
John Patitucci Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade: Spirit Fall
WINNER: Sullivan Fortner: Southern Nights
Yellowjackets: Fasten Up

Best Jazz Performance

WINNER: Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade: “Windows (Live)”
Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield: “Noble Rise”
Michael Mayo: “Four”
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach & Tom Scott Featuring Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold, Rachel Eckroth & Sam Weber: “All Stars Lead to You (Live)”
Samara Joy: “Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True”

Best Roots Gospel Album

WINNER: The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir: I Will Not Be Moved (Live)
Candi Staton: Back to My Roots
Gaither Vocal Band: Then Came the Morning
The Isaacs: Praise & Worship: More Than a Hollow Hallelujah
Karen Peck & New River: Good Answers

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Brandon Lake: King of Hearts
Forrest Frank: Child of God II
WINNER: Israel & New Breed: Coritos, Vol. 1
Lecrae: Reconstruction
Tauren Wells: Let the Church Sing

Best Gospel Album

WINNER: Darrel Walls & PJ Morton: Heart of Mine
Tamela Mann: Live Breathe Fight
Tasha Cobbs Leonard: Tasha
Tye Tribbett: Only on the Road (Live)
Yolanda Adams: Sunny Days

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

WINNER: Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll: “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
Darrel Walls & PJ Morton: “Amazing”
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown & Brandon Lake: “I Know a Name”
Forrest Frank: “Your Way’s Better”
Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.: “Headphones”

Best Gospel Performance/Song

WINNER: Cece Winans & Shirley Caesar: “Come Jesus Come”
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts: “Still (Live)”
Kirk Franklin: “Do It Again”
Pastor Mike Jr.: “Amen”
Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend: “Church”

Best Folk Album

WINNER: I’m With Her: Wild and Clear and Blue
Jason Isbell: Foxes in the Snow
Jesse Welles: Under the Powerlines (Live April 2024 – September 2024)
Patty Griffin: Crown of Roses
Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson: What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow

Best Bluegrass Album

Alison Krauss & Union Station: Arcadia
WINNER: Billy Strings: Highway Prayers
Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter: Carter & Cleveland
Sierra Hull: A Tip Toe High Wire
The Steeldrivers: Outrun

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His inclusion is seen as a boost for Afrobeats and African music’s global influence, with fans hopeful that his participation will further spotlight the genre. The Recording Academy announced that voting for the 2026 Grammys will begin on October 3, 2025.

This development follows Davido’s Grammy journey, which includes three nominations in 2024 for his album ‘Timeless’ and songs “Unavailable” and “Feel,” and a fourth in 2025 for “Sensational” with Chris Brown and Lojay, though he has yet to win an award. His new role aligns with the Recording Academy’s efforts to diversify its voting body, as evidenced by a 2024 report noting 66% of its electorate joined since 2019, with increased representation of women and people of color.

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The announcement was made on July 3, 2025, by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which revealed a star-studded list of 35 honourees spanning music, film, television, and sports. Alongside Kidjo are major names such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Josh Groban, Bone Thugs‑N‑Harmony, and Shaquille O’Neal.

Angélique Kidjo, aged 64 and a five-time Grammy winner, has been lauded as “Africa’s premier diva,” with a career stretching back four decades and a discography that fuses West African rhythms with funk, jazz, R&B, and gospel. She’s also a prominent activist, known for her UNICEF ambassadorship and the Batonga Foundation, which supports girls’ education across Africa. 

Her induction marks a landmark in representation—the first Black African artist to be honoured in the recording category. It places her alongside globally recognised artists, spotlighting African artistry on Hollywood Boulevard. With ceremonies typically scheduled within two years of selection and recipients covering their own star installation costs, Kidjo’s ceremony could happen by mid-2027, though a specific date hasn’t been set.

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Tems had a notable presence at the 67th Award ceremony with three major nominations; Best African Music Performance for “Love Me Jeje“, Best Global Music Album for ‘Born In The Wild’, Best R&B Song for “Burning“.

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While she faced stiff competition, Tems emerged victorious in the Best African Music Performance category, surpassing renowned artists such as Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Rema, and Asake. However, she did not secure wins in the other two categories, with SZA’s “Saturn” taking home Best R&B Song and Matt B featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Alkebulan II winning Best Global Music Album.

In her heartfelt acceptance speech, an emotional Tems expressed profound gratitude to God, dedicating the award to her mother, whose birthday was the following day, and acknowledging her dedicated team.

Tems’ Grammy accolades now include; Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait For U” (2023), Best African Music Performance for “Love Me Jeje” (2025).

Reflecting on her journey from the early days of “Mr Rebel” to this monumental achievement, the significance of her success for African women is the affirmation that anything is possible. It serves as a beacon of inspiration, pointing at the limitless possibilities for African women in the global music industry.

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The South African comedic maestro is set to grace the Grammy stage for the fifth consecutive year, solidifying his place as a beloved host of Music’s Biggest Night. This isn’t just a gig for Noah; it’s practically a residency at this point.

In addition to his hosting duties, Trevor is nominated for Best Comedy Album for “Where Was I.” Beyoncé leads the nominations with 11, including Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter” and Record of the Year for “Texas Hold ‘Em.” 

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS and available to stream on Paramount+.  February 2nd is set to be a night of unforgettable performances, surprising wins, and, of course, Trevor Noah’s signature wit and charm.

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Burna Boy has set a record as the African artist with the most Grammy nominations. Odogwu as he is fondly called keeps on showing that he is an African Giant with this new impressive achievement. Known for his blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and dancehall, ther eis no doubt that Burna Boy really captures the attention audiences worldwide with both his sound and strong lyrics. His rise to this record began with his first Grammy nomination in 2020 for African Giant in the Best World Music Album category, marking him as a serious contender on the international stage. He went on to win his first Grammy for Twice as Tall in 2021 under the renamed category of Best Global Music Album, which boosted his career and made Afro-fusion more mainstream in the music industry.

Burna Boy’s consistency has earned him nominations across multiple years and categories and boosting his ever-growing influence of African music worldwide. Burna Boy is one artist whose music touches on matters of African identity, resilience, and socio-political issues.

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In the Best African Music Performance category, the nominees include:

“Tomorrow” by Yemi Alade

“Higher” by Burna Boy

“Sensational” by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay

“Love Me Jeje” by Tems

“MMS” by Asake featuring Wizkid

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For Best Global Music Album, the lineup is just as impressive:

“ALKEBULAN II” by Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

“Paisajes” by Ciro Hurtado

“HEIS” by Rema

“Born in the Wild” by Tems

“Historias de un Flamenco” by Antonio Rey

Tems’ multiple nominations only reflect her versatile artistry, international appeal and global dominance, making her one of the most celebrated African stars at this year’s Grammys. For the Best R&B Song category, “Burning” goes head-to-head with other R&B powerhouses:

“After Hours” by Khelani

“Here We Go (Uh Oh)” by Coco Jones

“Ruined Me” by Muni Long

“Saturn” by SZA

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This year’s Grammy ceremony, set for February 2, 2025, 8PM ET/5PM PT promises to highlight the growing global influence and recognition of African artists on the world stage. With artists and their creations experiencing an increasing embrace of African music by international audiences.

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