• Eddy Kenzo is nominated for the 2026 Grammys for Hope and Love ft. Mehran Matin, despite limited public exposure.
  • Grammy nominations focus on artistic excellence and technical merit, not popularity or streaming numbers.
  • The Recording Academy strictly prohibits vote buying, meaning Kenzo’s nomination is legitimate under official rules.

Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo has once again shocked many after earning a nomination for the 2026 Grammy Awards for his collaboration “Hope and Love” featuring Mehran Matin. The song, which was released quietly earlier this year, has just about 11,000 views on YouTube and remains unknown to many fans both in Uganda and abroad.

The news of his nomination under the Best African Music Performance category has stirred debate, especially since he’s competing with African giants like Burna Boy (Love), Davido and Omah Lay (With You), Wizkid and Ayra Starr (Gimme Dat), and Tyla (Push 2 Start). All these tracks are massive hits with millions of streams, making Kenzo’s entry appear almost unbelievable to some.

This isn’t the first time Kenzo has surprised critics. In 2023, his song “Gimme Love” with American artist Matt B also earned a Grammy nod despite being relatively unknown.

The pattern has left many Ugandans questioning how the Big Talent boss manages to secure these global recognitions when his music doesn’t always dominate charts or radio play.

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However, according to the Recording Academy—the body behind the Grammys—nominations are not based on YouTube views, streams, or popularity. What matters is artistic quality, originality, and technical excellence, regardless of commercial success. Any eligible song can be submitted for consideration by a record label or an Academy member. Once approved, it goes through a voting process where peers in the industry cast their votes.

In short, a song doesn’t need millions of views to qualify. It only needs to meet the eligibility rules and appeal to enough Grammy voters. The Academy also prohibits vote-buying or influence, dismissing rumors that Kenzo “pays” his way to nominations.

While Hope and Love might not be a household hit, its nomination shows that music awards like the Grammys still value creativity over popularity. And for Eddy Kenzo, this latest nod—his second in three years—cements his place among the few Ugandan artists making history on the world stage.