The Best African Music Performance category at the GRAMMY Awards represents a landmark recognition of contemporary African music's global influence. Established for the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 2024, this category honors singles or tracks that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent, including but not limited to Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, African Rhythms and Blues, Ethio Jazz, Kizomba, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Amapiano. The market specifically predicts which nominated track will win this award at the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards, with nominations announced on November 7, 2025, and the ceremony held on February 1, 2026. This category's creation followed years of advocacy and reflects the explosive commercial and cultural rise of African artists on the world stage, driven by streaming platforms and viral social media trends. Interest in this prediction stems from the category's competitive nature, its role in shaping global music trends, and its significant economic implications for the winning artists and their associated labels. Observers track this award to gauge which African sound or artist is achieving peak international validation in a given year, making it a barometer for the continent's cultural export power.

Historical Context

The inclusion of a dedicated African music category at the GRAMMYs is the culmination of a decades-long evolution. For years, African artists were recognized only within the broader, and often vague, 'World Music' categories. The first major breakthrough came in 1991 when South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo won the Best Traditional Folk Recording award. The establishment of the Best Global Music Album category (formerly Best World Music Album) in 1992 provided a more consistent platform, with winners like Angélique Kidjo (Benin) and Burna Boy (Nigeria). However, advocates argued that African pop music, distinct from traditional 'world' genres, deserved its own space due to its massive commercial scale and unique production styles. This advocacy intensified throughout the 2010s as Afrobeats and Amapiano achieved global chart success. In June 2022, the Recording Academy announced a sweeping set of category changes for the 65th GRAMMYs, including the creation of the Best African Music Performance award, alongside others like Best Alternative Jazz Album. The first nominations in 2023 featured a diverse slate including Tyla, Davido, Asake, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr, with Tyla's 'Water' winning at the ceremony in February 2024. This historical arc mirrors the music industry's gradual acknowledgment of Africa not just as a source of traditional sounds, but as a powerhouse of contemporary hit-making.

Frequently Asked Questions