Burna Boy Makes Grammy History as First Nigerian Artist to Earn Five Career Album Nominations

Afro-fusion powerhouse Burna Boy has shattered barriers once again, becoming the first Nigerian artist to secure five career Grammy nominations in album categories. The milestone, announced as part of the 2026 Grammy Awards nominations, underscores Burna Boy's unparalleled influence in global music, blending Afrobeats innovation with universal storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Burna Boy's latest album, No Sign of Weakness (2025), has been nominated for Best Global Music Album, joining an elite field that includes Siddhant Bhatia's Sounds of Kumbha, Youssou N’Dour's Éclairer le monde: Light the World, Shakti's Mind Explosion (50th Anniversary Tour Live), Anoushka Shankar's Chapter III: We Return to Light featuring Alam Khan and Sarathy Korwar, and Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia's Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo. This nod marks the fifth consecutive album-era recognition for the 33-year-old artist, following African Giant (2019), Twice As Tall (2020) – which won Best Global Music Album – Love, Damini (2022), and I Told Them... (2023).

In addition to his album acclaim, Burna Boy earned a nomination in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category for his soul-stirring single "Love," highlighting the track's raw emotional depth and rhythmic prowess. He shares the category with fellow Nigerian trailblazers, including Davido and Omah Lay for "With You," and Ayra Starr and Wizkid for "Gimme Dat," alongside international contenders like Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin's "Hope & Love" and Tyla's "Push 2 Start." These nods reflect the explosive global rise of Afrobeats, with Nigerian artists leading a continental charge that has redefined the Grammy landscape.

"From the streets of Port Harcourt to the stages of the world, this journey has been about authenticity and amplifying African voices," Burna Boy said in a statement. "These nominations aren't just mine—they belong to every dreamer in Nigeria and across the diaspora who's ever bet on themselves. We're just getting started." With 13 total Grammy nominations to date, Burna Boy solidifies his status as the most-nominated Nigerian artist in history, building on his 2021 win and consistent boundary-pushing releases that have amassed billions of streams.

The 2026 Grammy Awards, celebrating the best in music from October 1, 2024, to September 15, 2025, will air live on CBS from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Hosted by a yet-to-be-announced star, the ceremony promises a star-studded showcase of cultural fusion, with Afrobeats poised for even greater triumphs.

Burna Boy's achievements come amid a banner year for African representation at the Grammys, signaling a seismic shift toward inclusivity. As the self-proclaimed "African Giant," he continues to pave the way for a new generation, proving that resilience, rhythm, and roots can conquer the world.

For more on Burna Boy's No Sign of Weakness and upcoming tour dates, visit burnaboy.lnk.to/NoSignOfWeakness.

About Burna Boy

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, is a Grammy-winning Afro-fusion artist whose discography spans Afrobeats, reggae, and highlife. With hits like "Ye," "Last Last," and "Sittin' on Top of the World," he has sold out arenas worldwide and championed social justice through his music and the Spaceship Entertainment label.