With an astounding seven submissions, Nigerian music legend Tiwa Savage has formally entered the 2026 Grammy race, making it one of the most ambitious African artist bids ever.
The Afrobeats artist’s entries demonstrate her flexibility and impact in the global music landscape by spanning several genres, including R&B and Global Music.
Her most recent work, This One Is Personal, which has been nominated for Best Global Music Album and Best Album Cover, is the centrepiece of her submissions. The album marks a turning point in Savage’s career and is hailed for its emotional depth and sound that blends several genres.
Her multiple submissions in the Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance categories for her well-known tune You4Me further highlight her status as a pioneer in the Afrobeats movement. She is nominated for 10% in Best R&B Performance, I’m Done in Best Traditional R&B Performance, and Holding It Down in Best R&B Song, all of which honour her R&B heritage.
Tiwa’s current work has been praised by critics for its maturity, self-reflection, and creative development. She was praised by magazines such as Rolling Stone as the “foremother of Afrobeats,” and Billboard called her new style “Tiwa Savage like you’ve never heard her before.”
Tiwa Savage and African music in general would experience yet another revolutionary moment if any of her contributions resulted in official nominations for the 2026 Grammy, further consolidating her status as one of the continent’s most influential international ambassadors. Later this year, the Recording Academy is anticipated to reveal the nominations.
