Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo has once again lifted the country’s flag high after earning a Grammy nomination for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA.
The BET Award-winning singer was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for his soulful single “Hope & Love”, a collaboration with Iranian-American producer and composer Mehran Matin.
This marks yet another milestone for the celebrated artist born Edrisah Musuuza, who continues to blaze a trail for East African music on the global stage.
Eddy Kenzo Competes with Africa’s Biggest Stars
In this fiercely competitive category, Kenzo goes head-to-head with some of the continent’s most influential Afrobeats and Afro-pop heavyweights:
- Burna Boy – “Love”
- Davido feat. Omah Lay – “With You”
- Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
- Tyla – “Push 2 Start”
- Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin – “Hope & Love”
The nomination reaffirms the Recording Academy’s growing recognition of African music through the Best African Music Performance category, which was introduced in 2024 to celebrate the continent’s diverse and dynamic soundscape.
A Proud Moment for Uganda
Speaking after the news broke, Kenzo expressed deep gratitude to his fans and the Ugandan music fraternity.
“I’m humbled and thankful to God for this moment. Representing Uganda at the Grammys again is something I don’t take for granted,” Kenzo said. “This is proof that our sound, our culture, and our stories matter to the world.”
For Uganda, Kenzo’s nomination is more than just personal success — it’s a national victory. The achievement positions Uganda’s music industry firmly within the global conversation and inspires a new generation of East African creatives to dream beyond borders.
From Masaka to the World
Eddy Kenzo’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. From his humble beginnings in Masaka District to becoming a global sensation with hits like Sitya Loss, Tweyagale, and Weekend, Kenzo has consistently pushed boundaries for Ugandan music.
His latest nomination adds to a growing list of international achievements — including his 2023 Grammy nomination for “Gimme Love” with Matt B, making him the first Ugandan artist ever recognized by the Recording Academy.
Africa Takes Center Stage at the 2026 Grammys
The 2026 Grammy nominations spotlight a new era of African dominance in global music. With chart-topping acts from Nigeria, South Africa, and now Uganda competing side by side, the category reflects how African music continues to influence global sounds.
Industry observers say Kenzo’s blend of Afrobeat, Luganda lyricism, and emotionally rich storytelling gives him a unique edge.
Looking Ahead
The Grammys will air live worldwide on February 1, 2026, and the excitement in Uganda is already palpable. Whether Kenzo brings home the golden gramophone or not, his nomination alone has solidified his place among Africa’s musical greats.
For now, the nation celebrates another step forward — proof that Uganda’s rhythm can move the world.
