From Lagos to the Grammys: Nigeria’s audacious quest for global recognition, by Stephanie Shaakaa – Vanguard News

A man with white face paint sings into a microphone on stage in Lagos, wearing no shirt and a beaded necklace. The background is blurred with warm lighting.

On the night of February 1, 2026, all eyes were on Los Angeles. The 68th Grammy Awards were more than a ceremony. Nigeria arrived not quietly, but with the force of decades of culture, rhythm, and ambition. Burna Boy. Davido. Wizkid. Ayra Starr. Names heavy with expectation, global streams, and fan armies that span continents. Their music moves millions, yet the Grammys went back in time. Nigeria’s presence at the 2026 Grammys was monumental. Burna Boy stood nominated for Best African Music Performance for Love and Best…