2027 Grammys Nominations Predictions: Global, Reggae, African Music

The 2027 Grammy Awards are shaping up to emphasize the continued influence of global, African, and Caribbean music within their dedicated categories. Billboard.com has shared projections for nominees in four key fields: best global music album, best global music performance, best African music performance, and best reggae album. These categories are among eleven within the Latin, Global, Reggae & New Age, Ambient, or Chant field, which has expanded with a recently added best Latin song category.

African music remains a formidable presence, with the potential for multiple nominations from the continent. Angélique Kidjo, Tems, Davido, and Asake are expected to dominate the best global music album nods, each bringing strong submissions reflecting their ongoing impact. Kidjo, a five-time winner with four triumphs in the last decade, and Tems, who previously secured a victory, are notable frontrunners. Asake, despite being a relative newcomer to nominations, has sustained momentum through a North American arena tour, underscoring his rising profile.

Brazilian music also figures prominently, with Anitta’s Equilibrium album predicted to join the noms. Following the previous year’s win by Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia for their live album, Anitta’s crossover success and Latin Grammy recognition position her favorably for a nod in the global music album category. Other contenders include Matt B & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Alkebulan III: The Water Remembers, and Susana Baca’s El Viaje de la Lengua.

In the best global music performance category, collaborations and linguistically diverse tracks appear to lead. The FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem “Dai Dai” by Shakira and Burna Boy is a standout candidate, having achieved multiple weeks atop the Billboard Global 200. Burna Boy’s consistent presence in past nominations contrasts with Shakira’s first expected entry here. Rosalía’s “Porcelana,” featuring Dougie F, and collaborative tracks by Angélique Kidjo & Pharrell Williams & Quavo, alongside Arooj Aftab with Bonobo, are likely contenders.

Latin Grammy frontrunners Silvana Estrada and Jorge Drexler also have strong chances to feature with “Como Un Pájaro” and “Ante la Duda, Baila” respectively. The category has recently rewarded cross-genre projects, evident through Mimy Succar’s previous win for “Bemba Colorá” and her current nomination push with “Azúcar.” Genre-blending artists like Gorillaz may break new ground with their track “Damascus.”

The reggae album nomination field is expected to present a mix of veterans and new voices. Destin Conrad’s Roadrunner, a reggae- and dancehall-infused project paying homage to his Jamaican roots, could secure his second Grammy nod, having been previously recognized in a different category. Ziggy Marley, with seven wins to his name in reggae, is projected to be nominated again for his album Brightside. Other expected nominees include Protoje’s The Art of Acceptance, Shaggy’s Lottery, Chronixx with Exile, and Buju Banton’s Too Too Bad.

Dancehall artists are also represented through nominees such as Masicka’s Forever Reign and Vybz Kartel’s God and Time. Vybz Kartel’s track record of nominations post-incarceration reflects his sustained influence in the genre. The reggae nominations also spotlight a broad spectrum of artists, including Queen Ifrica, Burning Spear, Beenie Man, and several others contributing to the vitality of the genre.

In the best African music performance category, Tems leads with “Big Daddy,” aligning with her history as the only past winner alongside Tyla since the category’s inception. Tyla is predicted to feature with two songs, including “Body Go,” a collaboration with MOLIY, whose past ineligibility controversy could be partially assuaged by this nomination.

Further expected nominees involve collaborations with major African artists such as Angélique Kidjo & Ayra Starr on “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?),” Wizkid & Asake’s “Jogodo,” and Davido, Mayorkun & Fola with “B4 B4.” Davido’s steady streak of nominations highlights his consistent presence since the category’s creation, while Kidjo’s cultural milestones, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, augment her influence.

The Grammy nominations for 2027 indicate a sustained recognition of diverse musical expressions from around the world. The cross-pollination of genres, languages, and cultures in these projected nominees reflects the Recording Academy’s ongoing commitment to showcasing global artistry.

This projected lineup emphasizes not only individual artist achievements but also the economic and cultural reach of these genres. For example, Asake’s North American arena tour suggests that African music acts are expanding international touring circuits, which in turn boosts streaming and sales. Similarly, the global success of collaborations like Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai” underscores how major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup can catapult songs into international prominence and Grammy consideration.

For reggae, Destin Conrad’s rising visibility through social media campaigns tied to his album Roadrunner and community engagement initiatives signals a new generation of artists leveraging both traditional and digital platforms to reach audiences. His homage to Jamaican dancehall icons indicates a blending of reverence and innovation instrumental to the genre’s evolving economics and fan engagement.

As the Recording Academy prepares to announce official nominees, these projections from billboard.com offer insight into the evolving landscape of global music categories. Confirmations and surprises remain to be seen, but the prominence of African, Latin American, and Caribbean artists underscores their growing influence and the diversification of the Grammys’ global music recognition.