Rapper Kendrick Lamar has emerged as the most-nominated artist at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards with nine nods, including for Album of the Year. The Recording Academy announced the nominations on November 7, 2025, highlighting achievements by artists like Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny. Nigerian musicians Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid also secured spots in key categories.
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards nominations were revealed on Friday, November 7, 2025, by the Recording Academy, with Kendrick Lamar topping the list with nine nominations. His album GNX earned nods for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, while his collaboration with SZA on “Luther” was recognized in Record of the Year and Song of the Year categories. Lamar, who has 17 previous Grammy wins, continues to dominate hip-hop with his blend of social commentary and innovation, building on his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city from over a decade ago.
Lady Gaga follows with seven nominations, including Album of the Year for Chromatica II, and Bad Bunny received six for his project Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana. The nominations reflect rap's growing influence and the Recording Academy's recognition of diverse genres.
Nigerian artists made significant marks, showcasing Africa's rising global presence. Burna Boy, known as Damini Ogulu, achieved a milestone as the first African artist with seven consecutive Grammy nominations, totaling 13 in his career and one win for Twice As Tall in 2020. His song “Love” is nominated for Best African Music Performance, and No Sign of Weakness for Best Global Music Album. In the same performance category, Davido's “With You” featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr's “Gimme Dat” with Wizkid, compete against “Hope & Love” by Eddy Kenzo featuring Mehran Matin, and Tyla's “Push 2 Start.” For Best Global Music Album, Burna Boy faces Youssou N’Dour's Eclairer le Monde, Anoushka Shankar's Chapter III: We Return to Light, Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia's Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo, and Shakti's Mind Explosion.
The ceremony is set for February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, airing live on CBS and Paramount+. Fans have celebrated Lamar's lead on social media, calling him a pinnacle of artistry, while Nigerian nominations signal Afrobeats' expanding reach.