The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are officially around the corner, and for us in the motherland, Sunday, 1st February 2026, is the only date that matters. While the world watches the “Big Four,” we have our eyes firmly fixed on the Best African Music Performance category. It is more than just an award; it is a celebration of the sounds that have moved from our local streets to the global stage.

This year’s “Big 5” contenders are a perfect mix of seasoned giants and the “new school” leaders who are currently holding the world in a chokehold. Here is everything you need to know about the songs and the stars vying for that golden gramophone.

Gimme Dat – Ayra Starr Featuring Wizkid

The “Celestial Being” and the “Starboy” teamed up once again for “Gimme Dat,” and the results were pure magic. Released on 25th April 2025, the song samples the iconic “911” by Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige, blending jazzy reggae beats with sultry Afrobeats rhythms. It’s a confident, sensual track where Ayra lists exactly what she needs in a lover—peace of mind and 100% commitment—while Wizkid delivers a breezy, seasoned verse.

Ayra Starr’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric; after becoming the youngest Nigerian artist nominated for a Grammy last year, she returns with even more momentum. Wizkid, a Grammy winner himself for his contribution to Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl,” brings that veteran “Big Wiz” aura to the track, making this collaboration a formidable contender.

Love – Burna Boy

The “City Boy” himself is back in the Grammy conversation with “Love,” a standout track from his eighth studio album, “No Sign of Weakness,” released on 10th July 2025. Produced by Dre Skull, the song is a beautiful, introspective Afro-fusion piece that explores themes of loyalty, self-protection, and genuine devotion. It’s Burna Boy at his most vulnerable, trading his usual high-energy “pon di beats” for a mid-tempo, soulful reflection on who truly stands by you when the lights go out.

Burna is no stranger to the Recording Academy; this nomination brings his career total to a staggering 13 nods over seven consecutive years. Having already won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for “Twice as Tall,” he enters this race as a heavyweight veteran.

With You – Davido Featuring Omah Lay

Released on 18th April 2025 as a highlight of Davido’s fifth studio album, “5ive,” the track is a masterclass in modern Highlife. Inspired by Bright Chimezie’s 1984 hit “Because of English,” the song features a repeating guitar loop and an easy, flirtatious charm that is hard to resist. Davido actually considered scrapping the song initially, but we are so glad he didn’t.

Omah Lay’s aching delivery pairs perfectly with Davido’s tender performance, making this a fan favourite. The nomination builds on Davido’s growing Grammy momentum after his historic three-nomination run last year, while for Omah Lay, it’s another well-earned nod that reinforces his place as one of the genre’s most distinctive voices.

PUSH 2 START – Tyla

After making history as the inaugural winner of this category 2024 with “Water,” South African sensation Tyla is looking for a back-to-back victory with “PUSH 2 START.”

Released on 11th October 2024 as part of her TYLA + deluxe album, the song uses car metaphors to navigate the thrills of attraction and commitment. It’s a flawless blend of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B that has already dominated the Billboard and UK Afrobeats charts.

Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – Hope & Love

Adding a unique, cross-cultural flavour to the category is “Hope & Love,” a collaboration between Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Iranian artist Mehran Matin. Released on 13th August 2025, the song is an uplifting Afrobeat anthem designed to unite hearts across borders. Featuring the joyful energy of the Masaka Kids Africana, the track is a reminder that music is a universal language that shines brightest in the darkness.

Eddy Kenzo remains a pioneer for East African music on the global stage. This isn’t his first rodeo; he made history in 2023 as the first Ugandan artist to be nominated for a Grammy. His return to the category with Mehran Matin shows that his mission to “spread love” through music is far from over.

Did You Know?

The Best African Music Performance category is relatively new. It was created in June 2023 and first awarded in 2024 to recognise recordings that utilise unique local expressions from across the continent. The Recording Academy established this dedicated space to acknowledge the massive global impact of genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Highlife, and Bongo Flava.

The post Burna Boy, Davido, Tyla, Ayra Starr & Eddy Kenzo: Meet the 2026 Grammy Best African Music Contenders appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Did you know that Ayra Starr sampled Mary J. Blige and Wyclef Jean’s 2000 classic “911” in her latest track, Gimme Dat? The Grammy nominee shares the inspiration behind the song on a new episode of Genius’ Verified, and it’s an exciting deep dive into her creative process.

‘Gimme Dat” is a vibrant track that captures the longing for love, emotional security, and genuine connection in a relationship. It’s delivered with Ayra’s signature confidence, playful charm, and sultry tone.

The track also features Wizkid, marking another noteworthy collaboration between the two stars following their hit “2 Sugar.”During the episode, Ayra opens up about moving beyond her comfort zone, what it means to love with loyalty, and recognising alignment in different areas of life.

She also takes time to break down the lyrics, giving fans insight into her storytelling, and even shares the meaning behind some of her choreography in recent music videos.

Watch the full episode below.

The post Watch Ayra Starr Dissect “Gimme Dat” & the Influence of Mary J. Blige’s “911” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr and Wizkid have released the official video for their collaborative track “Gimme Dat,” adding new visual energy to a song that’s already found its place among fan favourites.

Produced by VybeO and Mikabeatz, “Gimme Dat” draws from the familiar melody of Wyclef Jean and Mary J. Blige’s early 2000s hit “911,” weaving it into an Afrobeats rhythm that feels both nostalgic and current. Ayra Starr delivers smooth, emotive vocals, while Wizkid keeps things steady with his laid-back delivery, creating a romantic, low-tempo groove.

The video leans into the track’s mood with soft, surreal scenes. Ayra Starr appears in a flowing red dress, dancing atop a giant vinyl record, while Wizkid steps in with quiet charisma, bringing their chemistry to the screen.

Watch the official video below:

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Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

Ready to groove? Ayra Starr has just the right track for you with her brand new single, ‘Gimme Dat’, featuring the renowned singer-songwriter Wizkid.

‘Gimme Dat’ is an energetic track that explores the desire for love, emotional security and deep connection in a romantic relationship, all delivered with a playful, sensual and confident vibe.

In ‘Gimme Dat’, Ayra Starr calls for love, peace of mind and commitment (“gimme that love, gimme peace of mind”), making it clear that if she gives her heart, she expects loyalty and no disappointment.

Wizkid’s verse mirrors her energy as he shares how deeply transformed he feels by her love, highlighting his devotion (“only you go make me stick to one girl”) and the importance of keeping their bond private and special.

Throughout ‘Gimme Dat’, you’ll hear strong themes of desire, affection and the need for emotional security. Together, Ayra Starr and Wizkid sing about wanting a love that’s thrilling, intimate and trustworthy without pressure or heartbreak.

Listen below:

The post Ayra Starr & Wizkid’s ‘Gimme Dat’ is the Feel-Good Love Song You Need Right Now appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.