African Artists Submit Entries for 2027 Grammy Awards

The 2027 Grammy Awards are set to take place on February 7, 2027, in Los Angeles, with nominations to be announced on November 16, 2026. African artists are actively participating in the competition, with several notable musicians submitting their works for consideration. Angélique Kidjo, a renowned Beninese musician, is among those vying for a Grammy Award. With five Grammy Awards and sixteen nominations under her belt, Kidjo is a prominent figure in African music.

Kidjo has submitted her album "HOPE!!" in the Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album categories. She has also submitted her collaboration with Ayra Starr, "Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)", in the Best African Music Performance category. Additionally, her production "BANDO", created with Pharrell Williams and Quavo, has been submitted in multiple categories, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Music Video.

Nigerian artists are also making a strong showing in the competition. Davido has submitted his album "ORIADÉ" in the Album of the Year category, while Tems is competing with several productions, including "Love Is a Kingdom" and her collaboration with Justin Bieber, "I Think You’re Special". Asake is vying for a Grammy with his album "M$NEY", and Ayra Starr has submitted multiple works, including her project "Starrgirl" and her collaboration with Zayn on "Heaven Baby".

The participation of African artists in the Grammy Awards extends beyond Nigeria and Benin. South African musician Tyla is hoping to continue her success in the Best African Music Performance category, while Burna Boy has submitted his collaboration with Shakira, "Dai Dai". This diversity of representation highlights the growing presence of African artists in the global music industry.

The 2027 Grammy Awards campaign demonstrates a significant shift in the ambitions of African musicians. Rather than solely competing in categories specifically dedicated to African music, many artists are now vying for recognition in the most prestigious general categories. This development reflects the increasing confidence of African musicians in their ability to compete with their global counterparts.

However, it is essential to note that submission to the Recording Academy does not guarantee nomination. Each entry must undergo a rigorous verification and voting process before being included on the official list of nominations. The stakes are high for Angélique Kidjo and other African representatives, as they seek not only to win a Grammy Award but also to increase the visibility of African voices in international music institutions.

The 2027 Grammy Awards will be a significant milestone in the careers of many African musicians. With their submissions, artists like Angélique Kidjo, Davido, Tems, Asake, and Ayra Starr are not only competing for a prestigious award but also contributing to the growing recognition of African music on the global stage. The outcome of the competition will be closely watched by music fans and industry professionals alike.

Key points

• Angélique Kidjo and other African artists are submitting their works for the 2027 Grammy Awards, competing in various categories.