Ugandan music star and presidential advisor Eddy Kenzo has once again come close but fallen short of securing a Grammy win.
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Kenzo was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for his collaborative track “Hope & Love” featuring Iranian-Swedish artist Mehran Matin.
The nomination marked Kenzo’s second Grammy nod, following his first in 2023. Despite high hopes from fans across Uganda and the East African music scene, the award went to South African sensation Tyla for her single “Push 2 Start”.
This victory marks Tyla’s second consecutive win in the category, having previously triumphed in the inaugural year of 2024 with “Water.” She becomes the first artist to claim the honour twice since the category’s introduction.
The competitive field included heavyweights such as Burna Boy (“Love”), Davido featuring Omah Lay (“With You”), and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”). Kenzo’s “Hope & Love” brought a blend of Ugandan rhythms and cross-cultural storytelling to the global stage, earning praise for its emotional depth and international appeal.
The announcement left many of Kenzo’s supporters disappointed, with social media buzzing about the outcome.
However, the artist and his fans remain optimistic, viewing the repeated nomination as a testament to his growing influence beyond Uganda. Kenzo, known for hits that dominate East African charts and his role as a cultural ambassador, continues to inspire hope for future recognition.
In a statement reflecting on the night, Kenzo expressed gratitude for the nomination and urged fans to “keep the faith alive for another year.” He emphasised that the global spotlight on African music is a win for the continent, regardless of individual results.
The 2026 Grammys also highlighted African excellence elsewhere, including a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, the first African to receive this honour.
Kenzo’s journey underscores the rising prominence of Ugandan artists on the world stage, fueling anticipation for what’s next in his illustrious career.
