Trevor Noah will return as host of the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. This is his sixth time anchoring the event. The event will take place on February 1 and the venue is Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Noah first hosted the GRAMMY Awards in 2021 and has since made five straight appearances. In addition to its performances hosting, Noah serves as an executive producer for the event. He has made his mark in the entertainment industry and remains one of the influential figures around.

Trevor Noah: New York Times

The GRAMMY Awards celebrate achievements of musicians across all genres. There will be live performances from top artists and award presentations. This is an excellent award that will definitely live up to expectations.

Alongside Trevor Noah’s return, the 2026 GRAMMYs will also recognise African music. Nigerian music icon Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African artist to get it. The award recognizes artists whose contributions have had a significant influence on music and culture.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kuti: Punch

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Fela Kuti was an Afrobeat legend, who used his voice to pass messages about social justice, political freedom, and African identity. Kuti’s work challenges authority and encourages awareness. His influence continues to be felt long after his passing.

Bruno Mars is set to release his first solo album in 10 years, ending a long wait for fans across the globe, including South Africa. The Grammy-winning artist confirmed that the project is complete on January 5 via X (formerly Twitter), simply stating, “My album is done.” This marks his first solo studio album since 2016’s 24K Magic, which produced chart-topping hits and earned multiple Grammy Awards. The announcement has already generated excitement among South African music fans eager to hear new material from one of pop and R&B’s most influential performers.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Although he has not released a solo album in this period, Mars has remained active in music. In 2021, he collaborated with Anderson .Paak to form Silk Sonic, releasing An Evening With Silk Sonic, which received critical acclaim and won several Grammys. He has also featured on high-profile collaborations, expanding his reach beyond solo projects. These activities have kept him relevant while building anticipation for his next full-length release.

Details about the upcoming album remain limited. Mars has not revealed a title, tracklist, release date, or featured collaborators. However, given his past work, the album is expected to attract attention both locally and internationally. Fans have expressed excitement on social media, reflecting the artist’s enduring influence in the pop and R&B landscape.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

The ten-year gap between solo albums is unusual in contemporary music, where frequent releases are common. Mars’ approach has been measured, allowing each project to carry more weight and creating anticipation for his return. Observers note that this strategy has kept his music in public consciousness without overexposure.

Although the release date and promotional details are yet to be confirmed, industry patterns suggest that a lead single may precede the album, followed by performances and media appearances. Based on his track record, the album is likely to make a notable impact on charts and streaming platforms worldwide, including South Africa, where Mars has a strong following.

Bruno Mars – Instagram

Fans and music enthusiasts in South Africa and across the continent have been eagerly awaiting this announcement. Mars’ ability to produce commercially and critically successful music has established him as one of the few artists whose return can generate widespread attention after a long hiatus. The new album promises to be an important addition to his catalogue and a major moment for pop music in 2026.

Mariah the Scientist delivered a performance that will be remembered for a long time at the WAV Festival. Her songwriting and vocal talent show why she has millions of fans. Her charm was on display on set.

Immediately she began to sing, the crowd joined. Her soft voice drew listeners closer with every note. She didn’t rely on flashy effects, but focused on sending out a clear message. This worked to her advantage as it allowed the lyrics and melodies to take center stage. She sang about love, vulnerability, and self-reflection at the WAV Festival.

Maria The Scientist : Instagram

The performance was held in a setting that held thousands of people. Between her songs, Maria expressed gratitude and shared brief reflections on the meaning of each track. These moments created a sense of connection with the audience. The audience responded with loud cheers, showing just how much her music meant to them.

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Her stage presence wasn’t flamboyant but effective. Dressed simply and moving with ease, she let her music control the moment. This natural style matched the tone of her songs and helped maintain a smooth flow throughout the set. This kept the energy levels steady throughout the performance.

Maria The Scientist: Instagram

She didn’t go out of her way; Maria delivered each song with clarity and emotion. This consistency impressed both longtime fans and those hearing her music live for the first time.

Unlike FAME Week Africa, WAV Festival focuses on  musical talents. Her performance showed that what people need is music that can tell a good story.