The nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards—set to take place Sunday, February 1 2026 in Los Angeles—have arrived, setting the stage for one of the most diverse and high-stakes years in music awards history.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most anticipated nominations in the worlds of Rap, R&B, and Afrobeats / African Music—and what they could mean for the artists and their genres.
Rap / Hip-Hop Highlights
- Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 pack with nine nominations, including major nods for Album of the Year with GNX, as well as for Record and Song of the Year.
- Other strong rap-album contenders: Let God Sort ’Em Out (Clipse & Pusha T), Chromakopia (Tyler, the Creator).
R&B Standouts
- The Best R&B Album category features major names like:
- Givēon – Beloved
- Coco Jones – Why Not More?
- Leon Thomas – Mutt
- R&B performance nominations include:
- Folded – Kehlani
- It Depends – Chris Brown ft. Bryson Tiller
Afrobeats & African Music
- The category for Best African Music Performance features a strong contingent of Afrobeats and African artists, with nominees including:
- Burna Boy – “Love”
- Davido ft. Omah Lay – “With You”
- Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
- Tyla – “PUSH 2 START”
- This year’s nominations reflect the growing influence of African music on the global stage, signaling a shift in representation and reach.
Why These Categories Matter
- For rap, Kendrick Lamar’s dominance signals that hip-hop is still a major force in the Album of the Year conversation—something rarely seen for the genre.
- R&B continues to evolve, blending soul, hip-hop, and modern production—this year’s nominations reflect that transformation.
- Afrobeats and African artists are breaking into major categories with visibility they’ve long lacked, reflecting the mainstreaming of global Black music cultures.
Key Takeaways & The Big Picture
- The 2026 Grammys are shaping up to be a landmark moment for genre-blending music, increased global representation, and fan-driven narratives.
- Artists across rap, R&B, and Afrobeats are not just nominated—they’re being recognised for influencing mainstream culture and pushing creative boundaries.
- Expect surprises, fresh winners, and a ceremony that reflects the expanded landscape of modern music.
Stay tuned on HWING for full coverage of the 2026 Grammy Awards, including winners, standout performances, and what this all means for the future of music.
