Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy and Shaboozey Nominated for 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards
African and African-inspired music continues its global rise as Ayra Starr, Tyla, Moliy and Shaboozey have secured nominations at the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards, one of the most influential music award shows in the world.
The nominations place the artists among some of the biggest names in global music, underscoring the expanding influence of Afrobeats, Amapiano and genre-blending sounds on the international stage. Each nominee has enjoyed a remarkable year, with chart-topping releases, viral moments and growing fan bases across continents.
Ayra Starr, Nigeria’s Afrobeats sensation, has continued to solidify her position as one of Africa’s leading female exports, while Tyla has maintained her meteoric rise following her global breakthrough, further cementing her status as a pop and Amapiano powerhouse.
Moliy, known for her unique sound and cross-continental appeal, also earns recognition for her growing impact, while Shaboozey’s genre-defying success has positioned him as one of the most exciting acts pushing African-influenced music into new territories.
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the nominations, describing them as a major win for African music and a sign of its continued acceptance and dominance on the world stage. The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards are expected to further spotlight the global reach of these artists and their sounds.
