Tanzania Shut Out as Grammy Nominations Favor Nigeria in Best African Performance Category

The Recording Academy has officially released the nominees for the Best African Music Performance category at the upcoming Grammy Awards, with a notable absence of Tanzanian artists despite multiple submissions under consideration.

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The final nominees announced are:

• “Love” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
• “With You” – Davido featuring Omah Lay (Nigeria)
• “Push to Start” – Tyla (South Africa)
• “Hope & Love” – Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
• “Gimme Dat” – Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Nigeria)

Seven Tanzanian Artists Considered, None Nominated

Seven Tanzanian artists had their work placed under Grammy consideration, but none made the final nomination list. Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo emerged as the sole East African representative in the category.

Diamond Platnumz was considered for his collaboration “Low” with American artist Ciara, but failed to secure a nomination. Harmonize had four songs under consideration: “Me Too” featuring Abigail Chams, “Simuoni” with AY, “Furaha,” and “Finally” featuring Miri Ben-Ari—none advanced to the nomination stage.

Producer and artist Fidq’s “Glory 2,” which featured Damian Soul and Uganda’s Jose Chameleone, was also passed over. Marioo’s “Nairobi” and Abby Chams’ “Me Too” similarly failed to make the cut.

AY had two tracks under consideration—”Simuoni” with Harmonize and “Wanga Neka” featuring Zambia’s Kanjiba—but neither received nominations.

Nigeria Dominates Category

Nigerian artists claimed three of the five nomination slots, continuing their dominance in the African music space on the global stage. South Africa’s Tyla secured one nomination, while Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo represents East Africa as the region’s sole nominee.

The Grammy Awards ceremony will take place in the coming months, with the Best African Music Performance category highlighting the continent’s growing influence in global music.

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