Jon Batiste in Eleven Sixteen by Ugo Mozie Grammys 2026 custom jacket

Did you catch Jon Batiste at the 2026 Grammys? We’re willing to bet you did, because his looks were impossible to miss. From the moment he stepped out, it was clear this wasn’t just another red carpet appearance — it was fashion with intention.

If you’ve been wondering who was behind those striking, gem-laden ensembles, we’ve got the scoop. Jon Batiste wore not one, but two custom looks by Nigerian-owned fashion brand Eleven Sixteen, designed by stylist and creative force Ugo Mozie, at the 2026 Grammy Awards, a night that also saw the multi-instrumentalist take home the award for Best Americana Album.

Ugo Mozie is no stranger to dressing icons. His impressive portfolio includes styling and designing for the likes of Diana Ross, Leon Thomas, and even Beyoncé and Blue Ivy during the Cowboy Carter era. Closer to home, he’s also worked with Nigerian stars such as Tiwa Savage, Asake, and Flavour. Still, these Grammy looks feel especially meaningful — deeply rooted in faith, heritage and storytelling.

Speaking on the process, Ugo revealed that the pieces were created in collaboration with Gogo Hsu, a master tailor he discovered in Taiwan. He described the journey as a spiritual one, drawing inspiration from biblical imagery, particularly Aaron’s breastplate of gems — as well as ancient mosaic paintings.

For his arrival, Jon Batiste stepped out in a military-inspired black sequined jacket, complete with gold beaded epaulettes, ornate gold trims and closures, and colourful jeweled patches. Pearl-like button details added another layer of texture, while tailored black trousers and Christian Louboutin loafers with gold chain accents completed the look.

Later, he switched into an equally striking second outfit: an all-black sequined long-sleeve shirt adorned with royal blue crystal-embellished horizontal stripes across the chest and decorative jeweled accents. He paired it with black trousers and a gold crystal-embellished belt with dangling details, finishing the look with twisted locs styled high.

According to Ugo, both looks were crafted using over 100,000 Swarovski crystals, pearls, Colombian emeralds and African gemstones sourced from Mina Stones. He described the finished pieces as “spiritual armour in couture form.”

 

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Photo Credit: Shaboozey/Instagram

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards may have drawn to a close, but the historic wins from the night are still reverberating across the global stage. Amongst the most significant highlights was the triumph of Nigerian-American sensation Shaboozey, who solidified his place in music history with a major win.

The artist, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, took home the Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the faith-inspired anthem “Amen“, a collaboration with Jelly Roll. It was a milestone moment for the singer, marking his first-ever Grammy trophy and a defining achievement for a talent who has successfully bridged the worlds of country, hip-hop, and his West African heritage.

Taking to Instagram to share his joy, Shaboozey posted a series of celebratory photos, including one showing off his dental grill while clutching his golden gramophone. He accompanied the post with a deeply personal caption:

I won my first Grammy yesterday, and I can say so far I don’t think anything will beat the feeling. I’ve experienced every wave of emotion!! Real tears yall. Thank you @recordingacademy for giving this Virginia boy and child of an immigrant a Grammy!

The emotion of the night was palpable during his acceptance speech at the Peacock Theater. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he shared that his mother had retired from her nursing career of 30 years that very same day—a career she worked across multiple jobs to support him and his four siblings. He broadened the dedication to the immigrant community at large, delivering a moving message:

“This is for all children of immigrants. This is also for those who came to this country in search of a better opportunity… Thank you for bringing your culture, your music, your stories and your tradition here. You give America colour. Immigrants built this country, literally.”

If you’re wondering who Shaboozey is, here are five fun facts you should know about him:

• That Iconic Name: His stage name is a play on his Nigerian surname, Chibueze, which means “God is King”. It originated from a high school football coach who struggled with the pronunciation.
• Naija Boarding School Days: Although born in northern Virginia, he spent two years attending boarding school in Nigeria during his junior high years—an experience he credits for his multicultural perspective.
• The Igbo Heritage: He is of Igbo descent and has often spoken about the sacrifices his parents made when they moved from Nigeria to the United States to provide a better future for their family.
• Chart-Topping History: He made history as the first Black male artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs chart simultaneously with the global smash “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
• A Beyoncé Favourite: Before his solo Grammy win, he gained massive acclaim for his standout features on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album, appearing on tracks like “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.”

 

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The post “Real Tears!” Shaboozey Wins His First Grammy and Shares a Heartfelt Tribute to His Immigrant Roots appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles was a weekend of high emotions, historic firsts, and a reminder of Africa’s influence on the global stage. While many of our favourites were in the building, the weekend belonged to those who broke new ground and carried the culture with pride.

The weekend kicked off on a legendary note as the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti became the first African artist to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. During the Special Merit Awards on Saturday, his children—Yeni, Kunle, Shalewa, and Femi Kuti—accepted the honour on his behalf. Yeni shared a touching moment, saying, “I’m sure my father is smiling down on us,” as they celebrated the Afrobeat pioneer’s monumental legacy.

On Sunday night, the celebrations moved to the Crypto.com Arena, where South Africa’s Tyla officially became a two-time Grammy winner. She clinched the award for Best African Music Performance for her single “Push 2 Start,” marking her second win in the category since its 2024 debut. It was a tightly contested category, with Tyla edging out an incredible lineup of talent: Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), and Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”).

Nigerian-American sensation Shaboozey also had a massive night, winning Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the hit “Amen“ alongside Jelly Roll. In an emotional acceptance speech, Shaboozey, who is of Igbo-Nigerian descent, paid tribute to his mother and addressed the current climate in the United States, reminding the audience that “immigrants literally built this country.”

While Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, and Youssou N’dour didn’t take home trophies in their respective categories this year, the presence of African excellence was felt in every corner of the room.

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Photo Credit: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti/Instagram

History was made in Los Angeles this weekend during the 68th Annual Grammy Awards season. The pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Anikulapo–Kuti, was posthumously honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Special Merit Awards Ceremony. This landmark recognition makes Fela the first African artist to receive this honour, a moment that cements the global legacy of Nigerian music.

The Recording Academy bestowed this honour upon Fela alongside an elite group of international music heavyweights, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, and Paul Simon. In an official statement, Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy, described the honorees as an extraordinary group whose influence spans generations, genres, and the very foundation of modern music.

The ceremony was a significant family affair, with Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti, Shalewa Kuti, and Kunle Kuti present to accept the award on behalf of their father. The pride of the Kuti dynasty was evident as they took to the stage to acknowledge Fela’s enduring impact.

During the acceptance speech, Yeni Kuti expressed her gratitude to the Academy and the family’s supporters. “I want to thank the Grammys for this wonderful award. I’m sure my father is smiling down on us, she said. She also took a moment to recognise the family members who were absent, saying, I want to acknowledge my siblings who couldn’t be here tonight, Motunrayo and Seun, and my nephew who is carrying Afrobeat to another level, Made.”

Femi Kuti followed with a tribute to his father’s mission and the global community that has sustained Afrobeat for decades. “I would like to thank all the people carrying Afrobeat that are in this place tonight. DJs, the press, our label Partisan Records, our lawyers, fans all over the world, he noted. He concluded with a reflection on the weight of the moment: Thank you for bringing our father here. It’s so important for Africa. It’s so important for world peace and struggle.”

This recognition by the Recording Academy serves as a definitive validation of Fela’s role as a foundational figure in contemporary music, whose message continues to inspire millions worldwide in 2026.

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The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are almost here, and if you are anything like us, your group chats are already buzzing with predictions. It is officially that time of year when we stay up into the early hours of Monday morning, fueled by caffeine and pure patriotism, to see our favourites take home the gold. This year’s ceremony is particularly special for the continent, as the Best African Music Performance category returns for its third year, proving that the world is well and truly listening to our sound.

This year, the ceremony returns to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, 1 February 2026. Taking the stage as our host for the sixth and final time is the brilliant Trevor Noah. Knowing this is his farewell hosting gig, we are expecting plenty of laughs, heart, and perhaps a few surprises before he takes his final bow.

For the Nigerian and African audience, the stakes are incredibly high. The Best African Music Performance category is packed with talent, featuring Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), South Africa’s Tyla (“PUSH 2 START”), and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo (“Hope & Love”). Additionally, Burna Boy is eyeing more gold with a nomination for Best Global Music Album for “No Sign of Weakness.”

Who’s On Stage?

This year’s performance roster is a mix of pop icons and groundbreaking collaborations. Lady Gaga, nominated for seven awards including Album of the Year for MAYHEM, leads the charge alongside Justin Bieber, who makes his highly anticipated return to the Grammy stage after four years.

Fans can also look forward to sets from Sabrina Carpenter, Tyler, the Creator, Rosé, and a special joint performance by Clipse and Pharrell Williams. Keeping with tradition, all eight Best New Artist nominees—including Addison Rae, KATSEYE, and Leon Thomas—will deliver a high-energy medley. The night will also feature heavy-hitting tributes, including Ms. Lauryn Hill honouring D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, and a rock salute to Ozzy Osbourne featuring Post Malone, Slash, and Chad Smith.

The star power extends to the presenters, with a massive lineup including Harry Styles, Charli xcx, Chappell Roan, Queen Latifah, Teyana Taylor, and Jeff Goldblum

When and Where to Watch

The main ceremony kicks off at 02:00 WAT on Monday, 2 February. For the night owls and dedicated fans, the Grammy Premiere Ceremony—where many of the African categories are typically announced—starts earlier on Sunday at 21:30 WAT and can be streamed live on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel or live.GRAMMY.com.

For the main event, DStv subscribers can tune in to 1Magic (Channel 103) or M-Net (Channel 101) for the live broadcast. If you prefer streaming, Paramount+ will be showing the ceremony live (Premium subscribers), and you can always follow the real-time updates and “Best Dressed” galleries right here on BellaNaija.

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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.

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Le phénomène afro-fusion Burna Boy, couronné aux Grammy Awards, s’apprête à faire vibrer le United Center de Chicago dans le cadre de sa tournée mondiale « I Told Them… ». La plus grande salle du Midwest accueillera ce show spectaculaire, promesse d’une soirée mémorable. Ne manquez pas votre chance d’y assister Les billets sont dès …

L’article Burna Boy électrise Chicago : rendez-vous au United Center le 1er décembre 2025 à 20h30 est apparu en premier sur Africa Top Success.

Fela Anikulapo-Kuti has posthumously received a significant honor, with his iconic 1976 album, Zombie, setting a new record at the Grammys

27 years after his death, the legacy Fela Kuti set with his revolutionary genre Afrobeats has continued to live on with it continuously receiving acknowledgement from the international scene.

One of such recognition came when Fela Kuti with his 1976 album, 'Zombie' became the first and only Nigerian album to be inducted in the Grammys Hall of Fame.

The Recording Academy, the organization behind the Grammy Awards, included Zombie in its latest Hall of Fame selections.

Unlike other Grammy categories, the Hall of Fame specifically acknowledges recordings deemed to possess "lasting qualitative or historical significance" and that have demonstrated enduring impact. To be eligible, recordings must be at least 25 years old.

Fela Kuti's eldest son, Femi Kuti, accepted the award on behalf of the Kuti family, expressing his gratitude. He shared on X, "Our father’s legacy lives on. We are honoured to accept this Grammy Hall of Fame award on behalf of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. His music continues to inspire and unite people across the world."

Almost thirty years after his passing, Fela Kuti remains a profoundly influential figure, widely remembered for his powerful musical commentary on Nigerian societal issues. Zombie now stands among other celebrated entries in the Grammy Hall of Fame, joining albums by artists such as Jay-Z, Santana, and Cat Stevens.

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En 2019, Cardi B créait l'événement en étant la première femme à remporter le Grammy du meilleur album rap. Doechii vient de mettre fin à cette singularité, face à J. Cole, Common & Pete Rock, Future & Metro Boomin et Eminem. Un véritable exploit !

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