Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema lead 2026 AMAs ‘Best Afrobeats Artist’ nominees

Afrobeats continues its global dominance as the American Music Awards (AMAs) have announced their nominees for the “Best Afrobeats Artist” category, spotlighting some of the genre’s biggest names and rising international stars.

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Leading the 2026 nominations are Nigerian heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema, three artists widely credited with pushing Afrobeats from a regional sound into a worldwide movement. Their consistent chart success, international collaborations, and sold-out global tours have helped solidify Afrobeats as one of the fastest-growing genres in the world.

Also nominated is fast-rising Ghanaian-American singer MOLIY, whose unique sound blends Afrobeats, pop, and R&B influences, reflecting the genre’s expanding global fusion. South African star Tyla also earned a nomination following her breakout international success, further proving the growing influence of African artists across global music markets.

The nominations highlight a powerful mix of established icons and new-generation hitmakers shaping the future of African music. Wizkid, notably, made history as the first-ever recipient of the AMAs Afrobeats award in 2022, while Tyla claimed the title at the 2025 edition, beating strong contenders including Rema, Tems, and Asake.

Burna Boy and Rema’s continued recognition at major international awards further underscores Afrobeats’ cultural and commercial impact, as both artists remain central figures in the genre’s global expansion.

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As anticipation builds for this year’s ceremony, fans across the world are already debating who will take home the award, in what has become one of the most competitive and closely watched categories celebrating African music on the global stage.