Ugandan music giant Eddy Kenzo has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry after confirming that he will not attend the 2026 Grammy Awards, despite securing one of the biggest nominations of his career.
For many fans, the news is both heartbreaking and confusing. After years of pushing Ugandan music onto the global stage, Kenzo will miss music’s biggest night due to what he describes as unavoidable personal commitments—matters he says he simply cannot ignore, even for the Grammys.
While the absence stings, the singer made it clear that the nomination itself carries deep emotional weight and remains a defining moment in his journey.
Eddy Kenzo is nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for Hope & Love, a powerful collaboration with Iranian-Swedish artist Mehran Matin. The song’s recognition marks Kenzo’s second Grammy nomination, reinforcing his status as one of Africa’s most globally respected artists.
The nomination comes just a few years after his groundbreaking 2023 Grammy nod for Gimme Love featuring American singer Matt B—a historic achievement that saw Kenzo become the first Ugandan artist ever recognized by the Recording Academy.
The 68th Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with comedian Trevor Noah returning as host for his sixth and final time. The event is expected to draw massive global attention as artists from around the world gather for music’s most prestigious celebration.
Despite not being physically present, Eddy Kenzo insists he will not be completely missing from the moment. His international management team will attend the ceremony on his behalf, ensuring Uganda’s flag is still represented on the world’s biggest music stage.
“I have management everywhere. My team will represent me in my absence,” Kenzo said.
For fans, the news raises mixed emotions—pride in Kenzo’s continued global success, but sadness that Uganda’s biggest music export won’t walk the Grammy red carpet this time around. Still, his nomination alone speaks volumes, proving once again that Ugandan music belongs on the world stage.
