2026 Grammy Nominations: The Big Snubs Everyone’s Talking About

The 2026 Grammy nominations confirmed one thing: Afrobeats is still global. With Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Wizkid, and Omah Lay making the list, Nigerian music once again proved its staying power on the world stage. But beyond the celebrations, there’s been a wave of disappointment and quiet outrage across social media.

Why? Several fan-favourite Nigerian artists, who submitted their works for consideration, were surprisingly left out of the final nominations. From Asake to Rema, the snubs have sparked heated conversations about how the Recording Academy truly views African music.

Asake -Despite a successful year and chart-dominating singles like Why Love, the YBNL signee didn’t land a single nod. Given his previous recognition by the Academy and international shows, this one stung.

Rema -With HEIS, global tours, and crossover hits, Rema seemed like a sure bet. However, his name was missing from the list when it was released, leaving many stunned.

Seyi Vibez– Fresh off the success of Shaolin and his massive street appeal, Seyi Vibez’s omission was another shocker.

BNXN (Buju), Lojay, Shallipopi, Moliy, and Odumodublavck all had strong years, with BNXN and Lojay enjoying international collaborations. Still, none managed to crack the final lineup.

Tems -A previous Grammy winner and one of Nigeria’s most globally recognized voices, her absence raised eyebrows considering her consistent impact in the R&B and global music scenes.

While the Recording Academy doesn’t publicly disclose submissions, these names have circulated widely in media reports and fan discussions, making their exclusion hard to ignore.

The 2026 nominations gave several high-profile nods and a visible list of homegrown acts who were expected to be named. For fans, it reads like a snub; for the industry, it’s a reminder that global influence and nomination math are different animals. The practical takeaway for artists and labels is clear: keep building global presence, but don’t treat submission as the last step; campaigning, Academy relationships, and cross-market visibility still shape who ends up on the ballot.