Eddy Kenzo came this close… but not close enough at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as he once again missed out on music’s most coveted prize.
Eddy Kenzo came this close… but not close enough at the 2026 Grammy Awards, as he once again missed out on music’s most coveted prize.
Kenzo, who according to his p-kelele is practically a national treasure, was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for his feel-good anthem “Hope & Love” (a collabo with Iranian-American artist Mehran Matin). But the spotlight and the trophy went to South African queen Tyla, whose anthem “Push 2 Start” snatched the win on the night.
And let’s be real: this wasn’t a walk in the park. Kenzo was up against some serious heavyweights… think Davido, Omah Lay, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr, all battling for the same honor. Talk about competition!
This marks the second time Kenzo has been Grammy-nominated but left empty-handed. The first was back in 2022, when his global bop “Gimme Love” (with American singer Matt B) earned a nod in the Best Global Music Performance category- yet again, no statue to bring home.
Still, heartbreak aside, Kenzo remains one of Uganda’s biggest international music stars, with back-to-back Grammy nods proving he’s not just local heat but rather, he’s global fire. His continued presence on the world stage is putting Uganda firmly on the international music map and that’s a win in itself.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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