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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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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It was a night of celebration for South Africa’s golden girl, Tyla, who officially clinched her second Grammy Award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Stepping onto the stage just days after her 24th birthday, the singer took home the trophy for Best African Music Performance for her hit, “Push 2 Start.”

This victory marks a significant milestone in Tyla’s career, as she becomes the first artist to win this specific category twice since its inception in 2024. The category was a star-studded affair this year, featuring a powerful lineup of Africa’s finest. Tyla emerged ahead of Nigeria’s Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), as well as Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”).

“Push 2 Start” has been a standout track for the singer since its release on 11 October 2024. The song was introduced as a lead single for “TYLA +,” the deluxe edition of her self-titled debut album. Produced by Sammy Soso, Ari PenSmith, and Mocha, the track is a masterclass in the Popiano genre, a seamless fusion of Amapiano, Pop, and R&B that has become Tyla’s signature sound.

The song’s journey to the Grammy stage began with a viral tease at the 2024 MTV VMAs, followed by a high-profile music video directed by Aerin Moreno, which premiered in November 2024. Its success on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart throughout late 2024 and 2025 set the stage for this eventual Grammy recognition.

 

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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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“Every day I feel happy, I feel grateful.” That’s how Ayra Starr summed up this moment in her career as she sat down with Love Island USA’s Chelley Bissainthe on Billboard News to talk about her multiple GRAMMY nominations this year. For the singer, this second round of nominations feels like reassurance, a reminder that she’s on the right path. She shared that it has strengthened her confidence in her choices and deepened her trust in God, especially after reflecting on earlier GRAMMY ceremonies and how much she has grown since then.

The conversation moved easily through some of her recent creative milestones, including the making of “Gimme Dat,” where she sampled Wyclef Jean’s “911 / Diallo” and recorded in his studio. Ayra also spoke about losing her voice during the recording process, how Wizkid came on board for the track, and her role in co-directing the music video. She touched on her evolving sense of self, linking her recent hair change to a wider creative shift, and named influences such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, her mum, and her faith.

Ayra also spoke about the importance of African music being recognised across different genres on a global stage, sharing her excitement about where the sound is headed. She mentioned Burna Boy as a dream collaborator, said she’s looking forward to seeing Leon Thomas at the GRAMMYs, and encouraged her fans to create what they want without waiting for permission.

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Ayra Starr is clearly getting into Grammy mode. As the big night approaches, she has been making the rounds at some of the biggest pre-Grammy events, serving memorable looks along the way. At The Recording Academy’s MusiCares gala — held in honour of Mariah Carey as Person of the Year — Ayra arrived in a custom Nicola Bacchilega design that felt elegant, confident, and unmistakably her.

Styled by Elly Karamoh, she stepped out in a champagne-toned satin gown with a structured corset-style bodice that flowed into a floor-length skirt with a soft train. Off-the-shoulder straps added a classic touch, while her beauty look leaned into old-Hollywood glamour, complete with glossy waves and a subtle curl at the front. She finished the look with diamond studs, rings, and a bracelet, paired with nude-toned makeup and clean, manicured nails. The overall effect was polished and quietly assured.

She didn’t stop there. At Spotify’s Best New Artist party, Ayra switched things up with a bolder look, again styled by Karamoh. This time, she opted for a sheer black lace bodysuit with fitted sleeves and a defined waist. Layered silver necklaces with cross pendants and statement drop earrings took centre stage, while her high ponytail, finished with an oversized black bow, added a romantic edge to the look.

Beyond the fashion moments, all eyes will be on Ayra this Sunday as she competes in the Best African Music Performance category for her hit “Gimme Dat” featuring Wizkid. She’s up against Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido and Omah Lay (“With You”), South Africa’s Tyla (“PUSH 2 START”), and Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo (“Hope & Love”). With these pre-Grammy appearances setting the tone, anticipation is already building around what she’ll wear to the main ceremony.

 

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It is officially the end of an era! If you have been following the Grammy Awards over the last few years, you’ll know that one of the absolute highlights has been the charm, wit, and effortless cool of Trevor Noah.

Well, get your tissues and your finest party gear ready because the Recording Academy has confirmed that Trevor will be returning to host the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for the sixth, final, time.

Since he first took the reins in 2021, Trevor has brought a certain homegrown energy to the global stage that we just love to see. Whether he’s cracking jokes that only a global citizen would get or making sure our African stars feel right at home in the front row, he has truly made the show his own. Taking the stage this Sunday, 1 February, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Trevor’s farewell hosting gig is expected to be a heartfelt and high-octane celebration of music’s biggest night.

Knowing Trevor, we are expecting a proper send-off filled with plenty of laughs, sharp commentary, and hopefully, a few more viral moments with our favourite nominees. It feels like the perfect full-circle moment as he bows out on a night where the continent is so heavily represented.

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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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Photo Credit: Fela Anikulapo Kuti/Instagram

Decades after his passing, Fela Anikulapo–Kuti is set to be honoured on one of music’s biggest stages. The legendary Afrobeat pioneer will receive a Special Merit Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Grammy Awards, recognising the lasting impact of his work on global music.

The honour will be presented at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards ceremony on January 31, 2026, during Grammy Week, a day before the main awards show. Fela will be celebrated alongside an impressive group of music greats including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher and Paul Simon.

While Fela never won a Grammy during his lifetime, his influence has continued to resonate far beyond his era. In 2025, his 1976 album “Zombie” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, with the award accepted by his sons, Femi and Seun Kuti, a moment that reaffirmed just how far his music has travelled.

Announcing the honourees on Instagram, the Recording Academy described Fela as follows: “An architect of Afrobeat, honored for a lifetime of influence. Fela Kuti was a Nigerian musician, producer, arranger, political radical, activist, and the father of Afrobeat. In the 1960s, he created the genre by combining funk, jazz, salsa, calypso, and a blend of traditional Nigerian rhythms.”

The Academy also spoke about the reach of his legacy, noting: “His influence spans generations, shaping modern Nigerian Afrobeats and inspiring global artists such as Beyoncé, Paul McCartney, and Thom Yorke. His legacy continues to live on not only through music, but through his family and through the Kalakuta Museum and the New Afrika Shrine.”

With this recognition, Fela joins a distinguished list of past Special Merit Award recipients including Whitney Houston, Cher, Paul Simon, Chaka Khan, Carlos Santana, Sylvia Rhone, John Chowning, Eddie Palmieri and Bernie Taupin.

As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, Nigerian stars are back in the mix. Burna Boy is up for Best African Music Performance with “Love” and Best Global Music Album with “No Sign of Weakness,” while Davido earns a nod for “With You” featuring Omah Lay in the Best African Music Performance category. Ayra Starr and Wizkid also make the list with “Gimme Dat.”

 

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The GRAMMY Awards are getting a refresh in 2026, with the Recording Academy introducing two brand new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover. This exciting update reflects the ever-evolving musical landscape and aims to honour a broader spectrum of creative talent.

These additions also bring fresh excitement for fans and creators alike. Whether you’re a country enthusiast or a vinyl lover drawn to striking visuals, the new categories invite a broader audience to see themselves reflected on music’s biggest stage.

“Whether you’re a country fan or a vinyl collector who loves stunning album covers, there’s a new GRAMMY category with your name on it,” the Recording Academy teased.

Speaking to GRAMMY.com, CEO Harvey Mason jr. explained the motivation behind the changes: “Each year during our Awards & Nominations review, our focus is on refining our rules, uncovering anything that is no longer working, and ensuring we are celebrating our creative community in the most meaningful way,” he said.

“I’m thrilled that many of this year’s changes … allow us to honour even more creators. That’s always a positive outcome for me. But even more importantly, these are much-needed updates that ensure those who are making significant contributions to the musical process are properly recognised and have the opportunity to be celebrated on Music’s Biggest Night.”

One of the most notable additions is Best Album Cover, a category that acknowledges the power of visual storytelling in today’s digital-first world. “In today’s digital world, album covers are arguably more impactful than ever,” Mason jr. continued.

“Their cultural significance is undeniable. That’s one of the reasons members of the art director community and our Awards & Nominations members felt [the Best Album Cover] category was necessary. The Packaging Field has always thrived, but we expect this to be one of our most inclusive categories to date.”

The country genre is also receiving a more nuanced platform. The existing Best Country Album category will now be renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, making room for the newly established Best Traditional Country Album. This shift acknowledges the genre’s ongoing evolution and also the resurgence of its roots.

“Country music has evolved in a major way over the past decade, with traditional country experiencing a massive resurgence, growing in popularity and volume,” Mason jr. said. “This action by our members now opens the door for us to celebrate more artists and a wider range of music. By adding this new Category and renaming the Country Album Category, we’re creating more space for all the diverse artists who are shaping the future of country music.”

These changes come on the heels of a landmark 2025 GRAMMYs ceremony. Kendrick Lamar took home five awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Not Like Us.” Meanwhile, Tems took home award (her second Grammy win) for Best African Music Performance for her hit “Love Me JeJe,” and Beyoncé made history with her long-awaited Album of the Year win for “Cowboy Carter,” which she dedicated to trailblazing country artist Linda Martell.

The 2026 GRAMMYs will take place on Sunday, February 1 in Los Angeles, with nominations set to be announced on Friday, November 7, 2025.

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