2026 in African music

See also: Timeline of musical events

The following is a list of events and releases that happened in 2026 in African music.

Events

• February 1 – At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, nominees for the award for Best African Music Performance are Burna Boy, Davido featuring Omah Lay, Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin, Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid, and Tyla. ^[1]

Albums released

• Vusi Mahlasela – Title to be announced ^[2]
• Tyla – A-Pop ^[3]

Deaths

• January 20 – Yaw Sarpong, Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter ^[4]
• January 30 – Abdelhadi Belkhayat, Moroccan singer, 85 ^[5]
• February 7 – Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian musician and record producer, 90 ^[6]

See also

• 2026 in music

References

1. Willman, Chris (November 7, 2025). "Grammy Nominations 2026: Kendrick Lamar Leads With Nine as Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Leon Thomas Land Among Top Nominees". Variety. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
2. Sisi Nkabinde (19 January 2026). "SA: Vusi Mahlasela announces new album". Music in Africa. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
3. Blistein, Jon (2026-02-02). "Tyla Reflects on First Grammy Win, Details New Album 'A-Pop' Ahead of Music's Biggest Night". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
4. "Legendary Gospel musician Yaw Sarpong dies". Modern Ghana. 20 January 2026. Retrieved 23 January 2026.
5. Zouiten, Sara (2026-01-30). "Moroccan Music Icon Abdelhadi Belkhayat Dies at 85". Morocco World News. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
6. Snapes, Laura (2026-02-09). "Ebo Taylor, Ghanaian highlife pioneer and guitarist, dies age 90". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2026-02-09.