Bad Bunny, Vybz Kartel & Tyla: Our Predictions for the Star-Studded Global, Reggae & African Music Races at the 2026 Grammys – Billboard

The Grammy machine is spinning up for 2026, and the reggae and global music categories are shaping up to be absolutely stacked. Bad Bunny’s dominance in Latin trap-reggaeton fusion, Vybz Kartel’s undeniable influence on modern dancehall’s global reach, and Tyla’s Amapiano-meets-Afrobeats momentum are all converging at music’s biggest night. But here’s the real story: reggae and African music aren’t just getting nominations anymore—they’re reshaping what “mainstream” actually means on the Grammy stage.

This isn’t just about who wins. It’s about how the Recording Academy finally has to reckon with the fact that reggae, dancehall, and African sounds aren’t regional anymore. They’re the blueprint. Whether it’s Kartel’s lyrics echoing through global streaming charts or Tyla proving that African girl power moves units worldwide, the 2026 Grammys will be a referendum on whether the Recording Academy understands the music that’s already won the world.