Afrobeats took center stage in Los Angeles as Nigerian stars Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Wurld, and DJ Tunez made a strong showing at the YouTube Pre-Grammy Party, also known as YouTube PAMOJA: A Celebration of African Music and Culture, held between January 30 and 31, 2026.
The mid-day celebration, which ran from early afternoon into the evening, formed part of Grammy Week activities in the city and was hosted by YouTube to honor Grammy nominees, performers, and influential global talent. With a special focus on African music and culture, the event brought together artists, creatives, and industry figures ahead of the main Grammy Awards.
Ayra Starr emerged as one of the most visible figures at the party, dominating viral clips and photo moments from the event. She was seen making stylish arrivals, dancing freely, and sharing lively interactions with fellow artists. One of the most talked-about moments saw her dancing to “Hot Body” alongside South African star Tyla, a clip that quickly circulated online and drew praise for its carefree, celebratory energy. Ayra Starr was also spotted linking up with Omah Lay, with the two sharing relaxed conversations, smiles, and group moments that excited fans.
Omah Lay’s appearance added further weight to the Afrobeats presence at the event, especially as anticipation builds around the Grammy Awards and African representation in key categories. His link-ups with Ayra Starr and other creatives reflected the collaborative spirit of the gathering and the growing global recognition of Nigerian music.
Singer and songwriter Wurld was part of the Nigerian contingent throughout the celebration, appearing in group footage alongside Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and DJ Tunez. His presence contributed to the collective Afrobeats energy that defined the atmosphere of the party.
DJ Tunez delivered high-energy DJ sets that kept the crowd moving, spinning records that bridged Afrobeats, Amapiano, and global sounds. Clips from the event showed him vibing with dancers and performers to tracks such as “With You” and “IS IT,” reinforcing his role as a key figure in bringing African music to international audiences during major music events.
Beyond the Nigerian stars, the party featured a vibrant mix of African and global talent. Tyla, Skyla Tylaa, Poco Lee, Moliy, and TxC appeared in dance and performance clips that highlighted the collaborative spirit of the event. Legendary icon Angélique Kidjo also drew attention after being spotted dancing to songs including “Ginger” by Wizkid and Burna Boy and “Wave” by Asake and Central Cee, adding a powerful generational presence to the celebration.
Short videos and photos from the event spread rapidly across social media, showing red carpet arrivals, dance moments, performances, and artist link-ups. Fans described the atmosphere as electric, praising the “Lagos to LA” energy and celebrating the strong African presence throughout the party.
Public reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with many fans viewing the event as another clear sign of Afrobeats’ global rise. The YouTube Pre-Grammy Party not only celebrated nominees and performers but also reinforced YouTube’s commitment to spotlighting African music and culture on a global stage.
As Grammy Week continues in Los Angeles, the appearance of Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Wurld, DJ Tunez, and other African stars at the YouTube Pre-Grammy Party has further fueled excitement, positioning Afrobeats as a central force in the global music conversation ahead of the 2026 Grammy Awards.
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