Category Entertainment News

Kendrick Lamar has etched his name into music history, becoming the most awarded rapper at the Grammy Awards after a dominant showing at the 2026 ceremony held on Sunday, February 1.

The Compton-born rapper entered the night with 22 Grammy wins and walked away with five additional trophies, taking his career total to 27.

In doing so, the 38-year-old rapper surpassed Jay-Z’s long-standing record of 25 Grammy wins, while also pulling ahead of Kanye West, who has 24, to claim the title of the most decorated rapper in Grammy history.

The milestone was sealed early in the night when Lamar won Best Rap Album for GNX, his third victory in the category following To Pimp a Butterfly in 2016 and Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers in 2023.

READ ALSO: 2026 Grammy Awards Winners [FULL LIST]

The win pushed him past Jay-Z’s tally mid-ceremony, drawing reactions from fans and the music industry.

Lamar went on to dominate the rap categories, winning Best Rap Song for Tv off featuring Lefty Gunplay, Best Rap Performance for Chains & Whips alongside Clipse, and Best Melodic Rap Performance for Luther, his collaboration with SZA.

He also secured one of the night’s top honours, Record of the Year, for Luther, marking his second consecutive win in the general field following his 2025 triumph with Not Like Us.

With that victory, Lamar became the first rapper to win Record of the Year back-to-back, underlining his rare crossover appeal beyond hip-hop categories.

Although GNX was also nominated for Album of the Year, and Luther received a nod for Song of the Year, Lamar did not take home those awards.

Still, his five wins from nine nominations made him the most successful artist of the night.

During his acceptance speech for Best Rap Album, Lamar reflected on perseverance, cultural responsibility and the power of storytelling.

The 2026 wins bring Lamar’s career Grammy record to 27 awards from 66 nominations, a trajectory that highlights consistent dominance across rap categories and growing recognition in the Grammys’ general fields.

His Grammy journey spans more than a decade, from early wins for ‘i and Alright’ to recent sweeps with Not Like Us’ and ‘GNX.’

The record-breaking moment has fuelled fresh debate about generational shifts in hip-hop, with many pointing to Lamar’s sustained artistic evolution and cultural impact as key to his rise.

The achievement comes amid a strong run for the rapper, following the release of GNX in late 2024 and a highly publicised feud with Drake, both of which kept Lamar at the centre of hip-hop discourse.

With his latest Grammy triumph, Kendrick Lamar’s status as one of the most influential figures in modern music appears firmly secured, and, at 27 wins, his record may yet stretch even further.

Donald Trump threatened legal action on Monday against the host of the 68th Grammy Awards over the comedian’s comment on the US president and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

After congratulating Billie Eilish for winning the Grammy for Song of the Year for her track “Wildflower,” host Trevor Noah brought up Trump and Epstein.

“Wow. That’s a Grammy that every artist wants — almost as much as Trump wants Greenland,” he quipped, referring to the president’s threats to seize the autonomous Arctic territory.

Noah then added: “Which makes sense because, since Epstein’s gone, he needs a new island to hang out with Bill Clinton.”

Noah, who announced that this will be his final year hosting the Grammys after six turns as emcee, has been light on political commentary in previous years.

READ ALSO: ‘We Need More Africans To Win Grammys,’ Says Tyla After Second Win

His comments drew the ire of the president, who took to his Truth Social platform first saying that the “Grammy Awards are the WORST and virtually unwatchable,” before criticizing Noah.

“I can’t speak for Bill, but I have never been to Epstein Island, nor anywhere close, and until tonight’s false and defamatory, statement, have never been accused of being there, not even by the Fake News Media,” Trump asserted.

The Republican then branded South African Noah a “total loser” who needs to “get his facts straight.”

“I’ll be sending my lawyers to sue this poor, pathetic, talentless, dope of an M.C. … Get ready Noah, I’m going to have some fun with you!” Trump added.

Trump, who moved in the same social circles as Epstein in Florida and New York, has fought for months to prevent the release of a vast trove of documents about the disgraced financier and has given varying accounts of why he eventually fell out with Epstein.

South African pop star Laura ‘Tyla’ Seethal, has called for greater African representation at the Grammy Awards following her latest win in the Best African Music Performance category.

The 24-year-old singer clinched the award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, becoming the first artiste to win the category twice since it was introduced.

Tyla won with her single Push 2 Start, marking her second victory in the category after her 2024 triumph with the global hit Water.

Speaking to Billboard after receiving the award, the 24-year-old expressed gratitude and reflected on what the recognition means for African artistes.

“I’m so grateful. This is insane. It just shows me how far we can take it. Being from where I’m from, we really have a chance, and that’s just amazing,” she said.

Looking ahead, Tyla stressed the importance of seeing more African musicians celebrated on the global stage.

“When I was young, I wanted to see my girls getting Grammys and everything, and we’ve got that, but we need more. I’m excited to see the rest of our African superstars who are killing it right now be there as well. We are coming,” she said.

READ ALSO: [2026 Grammy] Again, Tyla Beats Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr To Clinch ‘Best African Music Performance’ 

Tyla’s latest victory further strengthens her position as one of Africa’s most successful young pop exports, with her music blending amapiano, pop and R&B in a way that resonates with international audiences.

Push 2 Start, lifted from her self-titled debut album Tyla released in 2024, gained widespread popularity through streaming platforms and social media dance challenges.

The song centres on themes of romance and self-confidence, infused with amapiano rhythms.

Best African Music Category

The Best African Music Performance category was created in 2024 to recognise recordings that showcase African music traditions and contemporary sounds. Nigeria’s Tems won the category in 2025.

This year’s Best African Music Performance category featured a strong line-up dominated by African heavyweights, particularly from Nigeria.

Nominees included Burna Boy (Love), Davido featuring Omah Lay (With You), Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (Gimme Dat), and Eddy Kenzo featuring Mehran Matin (Hope & Love).

Although none of the Nigerian nominees secured a win, Burna Boy also earned an additional nomination for Best Global Music Album with No Sign of Weakness.

That category was eventually won by Brazilian music legends Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia for their joint project Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo.

Tyla’s 2026 victory marks the second time she has edged out Nigerian artistes in the category, following her inaugural win in 2024.

Beyond individual accolades, the 68th Grammy Awards highlighted the growing global influence of African music.

The 68th Grammy Awards also honoured legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

The best in music strutted their stuff Sunday on the red carpet at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, celebrating the industry’s biggest night in a swirl of black and white, barely-there lace and a dash of political anger.

Here are some key looks from the Crypto.com Arena:

Black And White

Author Truman Capote hosted a legendary Black and White Ball in New York in 1966 — and the look is still a red carpet winner.

Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny — who made history with his Album of the Year win — dressed to impress in a Schiaparelli velvet tuxedo with a slightly fitted jacket and a white flower on his lapel.

Lady Gaga embraced her “Mayhem” era, rocking a high-necked sleeveless black feather gown from Matieres Fecales that trailed behind her in wisps of tulle. Her hair and eyebrows were bleached platinum.

K-pop singer Rose, who performed her viral banger “APT.” with Bruno Mars, wore a Saint Laurent gown built from a black mini dress, and then topped with a billowing cream swath of fabric that created a skirt-like effect.

Britain’s Olivia Dean, who won the award for Best New Artist, stunned fans in an elegant Chanel gown with a full white skirt and a black bodice with tiny spaghetti straps, adorned with sequins and feathers. Her hair cascaded down her back in curls.

Plenty Of Skin

Barely there sheer frocks have been on the runways since the start of the showbiz awards season, and Sunday night was no different.

Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who earned six nominations, is known for her glitzy showgirl style on stage, and she brought a bit of that sparkle in a wispy Valentino gown with strategically placed floral appliques and rows of ruffles.

The members of girl group Katseye arrived in floor-length white Ludovic de Saint Sernin gowns, each with cutouts or revealing see-through lace.

Colombian singer Karol G wowed fashionistas with a sea foam green sheer dress that hugged her curves.

Chappell Roan, last year’s winner for Best New Artist, perhaps took naked dressing too literally.

She removed a burgundy Mugler cape to reveal a wisp of a trailing skirt that was suspended from a pair of nipple rings, her body decorated with what looked like henna art.

‘Ice Out’

Much like at the Golden Globes, a number of stars — including legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell — wore “ICE OUT” pins to protest US President Donald Trump’s sweeping crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Justin Bieber and his supermodel wife Hailey Bieber sported the pins as did singers Margo Price, Helen Shen and Jordan Tyson.

The best in music strutted their stuff Sunday on the red carpet at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, celebrating the industry’s biggest night in a swirl of black and white, barely-there lace and a dash of political anger.

Here are some key looks from the Crypto.com Arena:

Black And White

Author Truman Capote hosted a legendary Black and White Ball in New York in 1966 — and the look is still a red carpet winner.

Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny — who made history with his Album of the Year win — dressed to impress in a Schiaparelli velvet tuxedo with a slightly fitted jacket and a white flower on his lapel.

Lady Gaga embraced her “Mayhem” era, rocking a high-necked sleeveless black feather gown from Matieres Fecales that trailed behind her in wisps of tulle. Her hair and eyebrows were bleached platinum.

K-pop singer Rose, who performed her viral banger “APT.” with Bruno Mars, wore a Saint Laurent gown built from a black mini dress, and then topped with a billowing cream swath of fabric that created a skirt-like effect.

Britain’s Olivia Dean, who won the award for Best New Artist, stunned fans in an elegant Chanel gown with a full white skirt and a black bodice with tiny spaghetti straps, adorned with sequins and feathers. Her hair cascaded down her back in curls.

Plenty Of Skin

Barely there sheer frocks have been on the runways since the start of the showbiz awards season, and Sunday night was no different.

Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who earned six nominations, is known for her glitzy showgirl style on stage, and she brought a bit of that sparkle in a wispy Valentino gown with strategically placed floral appliques and rows of ruffles.

The members of girl group Katseye arrived in floor-length white Ludovic de Saint Sernin gowns, each with cutouts or revealing see-through lace.

Colombian singer Karol G wowed fashionistas with a sea foam green sheer dress that hugged her curves.

Chappell Roan, last year’s winner for Best New Artist, perhaps took naked dressing too literally.

She removed a burgundy Mugler cape to reveal a wisp of a trailing skirt that was suspended from a pair of nipple rings, her body decorated with what looked like henna art.

‘Ice Out’

Much like at the Golden Globes, a number of stars — including legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell — wore “ICE OUT” pins to protest US President Donald Trump’s sweeping crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Justin Bieber and his supermodel wife Hailey Bieber sported the pins as did singers Margo Price, Helen Shen and Jordan Tyson.

The best in music strutted their stuff Sunday on the red carpet at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, celebrating the industry’s biggest night in a swirl of black and white, barely-there lace and a dash of political anger.

Here are some key looks from the Crypto.com Arena:

Black And White

Author Truman Capote hosted a legendary Black and White Ball in New York in 1966 — and the look is still a red carpet winner.

Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny — who made history with his Album of the Year win — dressed to impress in a Schiaparelli velvet tuxedo with a slightly fitted jacket and a white flower on his lapel.

Lady Gaga embraced her “Mayhem” era, rocking a high-necked sleeveless black feather gown from Matieres Fecales that trailed behind her in wisps of tulle. Her hair and eyebrows were bleached platinum.

K-pop singer Rose, who performed her viral banger “APT.” with Bruno Mars, wore a Saint Laurent gown built from a black mini dress, and then topped with a billowing cream swath of fabric that created a skirt-like effect.

Britain’s Olivia Dean, who won the award for Best New Artist, stunned fans in an elegant Chanel gown with a full white skirt and a black bodice with tiny spaghetti straps, adorned with sequins and feathers. Her hair cascaded down her back in curls.

Plenty Of Skin

Barely there sheer frocks have been on the runways since the start of the showbiz awards season, and Sunday night was no different.

Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who earned six nominations, is known for her glitzy showgirl style on stage, and she brought a bit of that sparkle in a wispy Valentino gown with strategically placed floral appliques and rows of ruffles.

The members of girl group Katseye arrived in floor-length white Ludovic de Saint Sernin gowns, each with cutouts or revealing see-through lace.

Colombian singer Karol G wowed fashionistas with a sea foam green sheer dress that hugged her curves.

Chappell Roan, last year’s winner for Best New Artist, perhaps took naked dressing too literally.

She removed a burgundy Mugler cape to reveal a wisp of a trailing skirt that was suspended from a pair of nipple rings, her body decorated with what looked like henna art.

‘Ice Out’

Much like at the Golden Globes, a number of stars — including legendary singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell — wore “ICE OUT” pins to protest US President Donald Trump’s sweeping crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Justin Bieber and his supermodel wife Hailey Bieber sported the pins as did singers Margo Price, Helen Shen and Jordan Tyson.