The excitement is palpable as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards draw near, and for music lovers everywhere, the chatter is already in full swing. Group chats are buzzing with predictions, theories, and debates about who will take home the coveted golden gramophones. This is the season where fans fuel themselves with caffeine and enthusiasm, staying up late into the night to witness their favourite artists receive music’s highest honours.
This year, the Grammy Awards hold a special significance for Africa. The Best African Music Performance category makes its third consecutive appearance, signalling that African music is not only thriving but commanding global recognition. The nominees showcase the continent’s extraordinary talent, and once again, the world is paying attention.
The ceremony will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Hosting duties fall to the incomparable Trevor Noah, who is taking the stage for the sixth and final time. With his signature wit, humour, and insightful commentary, fans can expect plenty of laughs, heartfelt moments, and perhaps a few surprises as he bids farewell to his hosting role.
For Nigerian and African audiences, the Best African Music Performance category is a highlight. This year’s nominees include Burna Boy with “Love,” Davido featuring Omah Lay on “With You,” Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid for “Gimme Dat,” South African sensation Tyla with “PUSH 2 START,” and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo for “Hope & Love.” Burna Boy also has his eyes on further success with a nomination for Best Global Music Album for his project, “No Sign of Weakness.” The competition is fierce, and the category promises to be one of the most closely watched moments of the night.
The evening’s performance lineup blends pop powerhouses with innovative collaborations, promising something for every kind of music fan. Lady Gaga, a seven-time nominee including Album of the Year for MAYHEM, is set to dazzle audiences alongside Justin Bieber, making his highly anticipated return to the Grammy stage after a four-year absence.
Fans can also anticipate performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Rosé, and a special collaborative set from Clipse and Pharrell Williams. Adding to the energy, all eight Best New Artist nominees—including Addison Rae, KATSEYE, and Leon Thomas—will showcase their talents in a dynamic medley. The night will also honour music legends, with Ms. Lauryn Hill paying tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, and a rock tribute to Ozzy Osbourne featuring Post Malone, Slash, and Chad Smith.
The star-studded presence extends to the presenters as well. This year’s lineup includes global icons such as Harry Styles, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Queen Latifah, Teyana Taylor, and even Jeff Goldblum, ensuring that the ceremony is a visual spectacle in addition to a musical one.
For those wondering when and where to watch, the main ceremony will air at 02:00 WAT on Monday, 2 February. The Grammy Premiere Ceremony, which typically features announcements for several African categories, kicks off earlier on Sunday at 21:30 WAT. Fans can stream it live via the Recording Academy’s official YouTube channel or at live.GRAMMY.com.
DStv subscribers can catch the main ceremony live on 1Magic (Channel 103) or M-Net (Channel 101). Streaming options are available through Paramount+ for Premium subscribers, and for those following online, real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and “Best Dressed” galleries will be available on platforms like BellaNaija, making sure no fan misses a moment.
With a blend of international icons, African talent, unforgettable tributes, and Trevor Noah’s farewell hosting, the 68th Grammys promise a night filled with excitement, glamour, and music history. Whether you are tuning in for the performances, the awards, or simply the spectacle, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable event for music lovers around the globe.
