Eddy Kenzo Misses Out at 2026 Grammys as Tyla Takes Top Award

For the third time, Eddy Kenzo walked away from the Grammy Awards without a trophy, extending a wait that has become both a source of national pride and quiet frustration for Ugandan music fans.

Kenzo had been nominated in the Best African Music Performance category, a recognition that once again placed Uganda on one of the world’s most prestigious musical stages. The award ultimately went to South African star Tyla, continuing a trend in which East African artists have struggled to convert nominations into wins.

While the loss was met with disappointment at home, industry observers noted that repeated Grammy recognition still signals Kenzo’s sustained relevance in global music conversations. Few Ugandan artists have achieved similar consistency on international platforms.

For Kenzo, the moment appears less like a setback and more like a continuation of a long campaign for global recognition. As he returns to studio work and international collaborations, many fans see the nominations themselves as milestones. even as they await the win that would redefine Uganda’s place in global pop culture.