Why Black Sherif & Moliy Could Be Nominated for the Next Grammys

As Ghanaian music continues its global ascent, two of the country’s brightest stars, Black Sherif and Moliy, are perfectly positioned to make history at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards in 2027. With fresh releases landing squarely in the eligibility window (August 31, 2025 – August 28, 2026), strong international momentum, and growing Academy interest in African sounds, the stage is set for a potential breakthrough.

The Eligibility Window

The 2027 Grammys consider music released between late August 2025 and late August 2026. Both artists have delivered (and continue to drop) material that fits this period perfectly, unlike their big 2025 hits, which fell into the previous cycle and did not make it.

For Black Sherif:

Black Sherif has been dominating Ghana’s music scene for years. Known for his raw, introspective storytelling and genre-blending style that fuses hip-hop, Afrobeats, and highlife influences, he’s already a multiple-time Ghana Music Awards winner, including Artiste of the Year in 2026.

Key 2026 Release: His single “PopStar” (released March 27, 2026) is fully eligible and shows his evolving sound — more polished yet still authentic.

Previous submissions for Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album (with projects like Iron Boy) prove his team knows how to navigate the process.

He’s building international touring credentials with dates across Europe and the US in 2026, increasing visibility among Recording Academy voters.

Black Sherif’s appeal lies in his authenticity. Tracks like “So It Goes” and others from the eligibility year carry the emotional depth and cultural specificity that have helped artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid earn nods. If he drops another strong project or single before August 2026, a nomination feels increasingly likely.

For Moliy

Moliy (MOLIY) represents the new wave of Ghanaian crossover stars. With her infectious Afropop, dancehall, and R&B fusion, she exploded internationally in 2025 with the remix of “Shake It to the Max (FLY)” featuring Shenseea and Skillibeng — a viral monster that topped Billboard’s US Afrobeats chart and racked up over a billion streams. Though ruled ineligible or snubbed for 2026, that momentum has carried forward.

Her 2026 output is even stronger for Grammy contention:

• “Body Go” (feat. Tyla) — a sultry, dance-ready collaboration released early 2026.
• “PARTYGYAL” (with bees & honey) — February 2026 banger that’s pure party energy.

Moliy has already notched major firsts: first Ghanaian at the BET Awards, AMAs nomination, and consistent playlist love from Spotify, Apple Music, and iHeartRadio. Her sound is radio-friendly yet rooted, making her a natural fit for Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Performance, or even Best Dance/Electronic Recording.

Why This Could Be Their Year

Momentum from 2026 Snubs: That visibility helps — the Academy often rewards persistence.

Rising Profile of Ghanaian Music: While Nigeria has dominated African categories, Ghana is gaining ground. More Academy members are paying attention to West African sounds beyond Afrobeats.

Streaming & Cultural Impact: High streams, TikTok virality, and global collabs (Tyla, Sean Paul, etc.) translate to real metrics that voters notice.

Challenges

Competition in African/Global categories is fierce. Nigerian heavyweights and established stars still hold sway, and Academy voting can feel opaque. But with continued releases, smart campaigning, and the undeniable quality of their music, Black Sherif and Moliy are no longer long shots — they’re serious contenders.

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