Rapper Kendrick Lamar is the artiste to beat at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards, leading all nominees with nine nominations, including nods in the prestigious Record, Song, and Album of the Year categories. The nominations, announced Friday, according to npr.org, solidify Lamar’s dominance following his massive success at last year’s ceremony.
The hip-hop titan’s nine nominations are largely powered by his record-breaking album, GNX, and the hit single “Luther (feat. SZA),” which are up for three of the top prizes. Lamar is also recognised for collaborations with SZA and Clipse.
The Recording Academy has also heavily recognised Afrobeats’ continued global rise. Several major Nigerian artistes secured nominations, particularly in the Best African Music Performance category. Burna Boy received two nominations, including Best African Music Performance for “Love” and Best Global Music Album for No Sign of Weakness.
Davido and Omah Lay earned a joint nomination for Best African Music Performance with their collaboration “With You.”
Ayra Starr and Wizkid are nominated for Best African Music Performance for “Gimme Dat.”
Other Nigerian artistes nominated include Asake and Olamide.
Trailing Lamar are Lady Gaga, along with producers Cirkut and Jack Antonoff, each of whom earned seven nominations. Bad Bunny, breakthrough star Sabrina Carpenter, and newcomer Leon Thomas each received six nominations.
The 68th annual Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on February 1, 2026, in Los Angeles.
Selected Key Nominations
| Category | Nominees (Highlights) |
|---|---|
| Record of the Year | Bad Bunny (“DtMF”), Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”), Kendrick Lamar with SZA (“luther”), Billie Eilish (“WILDFLOWER”) |
| Album of the Year | Bad Bunny (DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS), Lady Gaga (MAYHEM), Kendrick Lamar (GNX), Leon Thomas (MUTT), Tyler, The Creator (CHROMAKOPIA) |
| Song of the Year | Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”), Doechii (“Anxiety”), Kendrick Lamar With SZA (“luther”), Sabrina Carpenter (“Manchild”) |
| Best New Artist | Olivia Dean, KATSEYE, The Marías, Leon Thomas, Addison Rae |
| Best African Music Performance | Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido ft. Omah Lay (“With You”), Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), Tyla (“Push 2 Start”) |
See Full List of Nominees here.
