Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tyla & MOLIY shortlisted as AMA confirm nominees for 2026

Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tyla Lead Africa’s Charge as 2026 American Music Awards Nominees Are Unveiled

The global music spotlight is firmly on Africa following the official announcement of nominees for the American Music Awards 2026. This year’s list signals a powerful moment for the continent, with some of its biggest stars earning recognition across major categories.

Afrobeats giants Wizkid and Burna Boy return to the global awards stage, while Tyla continues her meteoric rise with multiple nominations. Rising Ghanaian-American act MOLIY also joins the lineup, reinforcing Africa’s growing dominance in global music conversations.

The 52nd edition of the AMAs is scheduled for May 25, 2026, at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena, with legendary entertainer Queen Latifah set to host the ceremony.

Africa’s Presence Continues to Grow

This year’s nominations reflect the unstoppable expansion of Afrobeats and African music worldwide. The dedicated Best Afrobeats Artist category features a strong lineup:

• Burna Boy

• MOLIY

• Rema

• Tyla

• Wizkid

Tyla, in particular, stands out with additional nominations in categories like Best Music Video and Social Song of the Year for her hit “CHANEL.”

Major Categories: Global Stars Battle for Top Honors

The AMAs once again bring together a diverse mix of global superstars competing for the biggest awards of the night.

Artist of the Year

• Bad Bunny

• Bruno Mars

• BTS

• Harry Styles

• Justin Bieber

• Kendrick Lamar

• Lady Gaga

• Morgan Wallen

• Sabrina Carpenter

• Taylor Swift

Album of the Year (Highlights)

Top contenders include projects from Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift, reflecting a competitive and genre-spanning field.

Song of the Year (Highlights)

Notable entries include tracks by Kehlani, Leon Thomas, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift.

Genre Highlights Across the Board

The 2026 nominations span multiple genres, showcasing the diversity of today’s music landscape:

• Hip-Hop: Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti, Tyler, The Creator

• R&B: SZA, Summer Walker, Chris Brown

• Latin: Bad Bunny, KAROL G, ROSALÍA

• Pop: Ed Sheeran, Olivia Dean

A Defining Moment for African Music

The strong representation of African artists at the 2026 AMAs highlights a broader shift in global music consumption. Afrobeats is no longer a niche genre it is now a dominant force shaping charts, collaborations, and international recognition.

For artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy, this moment reinforces years of groundwork in pushing African sounds worldwide. For Tyla and MOLIY, it marks the arrival of a new generation ready to expand that legacy even further.

As the countdown to May 25 begins, all eyes will be on Las Vegas to see whether Africa’s finest will convert nominations into historic wins.