Music lovers across Nigeria and the African continent are eagerly anticipating the 67th Grammy Awards, set to take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles today. The highly anticipated event promises to be a grand spectacle, especially for African music enthusiasts eager to witness their stars recognized on the global stage.
Leading the pack of Nigerian nominees is Burna Boy, whose relentless passion and musical excellence have firmly established him as an international force. This year, he has secured four nominations in major categories: Best Melodic Rap Performance for Sittin’ on Top of the World (feat. 21 Savage), Best Global Music Performance for Alone, Best Global Music Album for I Told Them, and Best African Music Performance for City Boys. His consistent presence at the Grammys highlights his influence and significant contribution to the evolution of global music.
Another Afrobeats heavyweight, Davido, is also making waves with three Grammy nominations, a testament to his growing international appeal. His album Timeless is up for Best Global Music Album, while Feel and Unavailable are competing in the Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance categories, respectively. Expressing his excitement, Davido remarked, “It’s about legacy, breaking barriers, and proving that Africa cannot be ignored anymore. We are here to make a lasting impact.”
Meanwhile, fast-rising Nigerian sensation Asake will momentarily set aside the controversies surrounding his exit from Olamide’s YBNL to focus on his first-ever Grammy nomination. His hit song Amapiano has earned him a nod for Best African Music Performance, marking a significant milestone in his career. His nomination, alongside Olamide, who collaborated on the track, underscores the widespread appeal of the Amapiano sound, which blends deep house, jazz, and lounge influences.
Adding more Nigerian flair to the prestigious awards, Yemi Alade and Tems have also secured multiple nominations, further solidifying their positions in the global music landscape. Yemi Alade, known for her energetic performances and powerful vocals, received recognition for her hit singles Dumebi and Begging. Meanwhile, Tems’ debut album, Born in the Wild, has placed her in the race for Best Global Music Album. Her nomination in the R&B category for Burning is particularly historic, as she becomes the first African artist to receive a nod in that category.
Another standout Nigerian nominee is Rema, whose sophomore album HEIS competes in the Best Global Music Album category. However, he faces stiff competition from international acts, including Matt B (USA), the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (UK), Ciro Hurtado (Peru), and Antonio Rey (Spain).
The night will be even more electrifying as Burna Boy is set to deliver a thrilling live performance, showcasing the richness of African music on one of the world’s biggest stages.
One of the most notable additions to this year’s awards is the Best African Music Performance category, which acknowledges the increasing global influence of African sounds. This new category is a game-changer, providing African artists with greater recognition and a wider platform to celebrate the continent’s diverse musical heritage.
Also making headlines is Ayra Starr, who has quickly risen to prominence with her distinct voice and unique style. Her nomination for Best African Music Performance with Rush highlights her rapid success and the global demand for Nigerian music.
These numerous nominations are not just a win for the individual artists but also a reflection of Nigeria’s expanding influence on the global music industry. Their presence at the Grammys is a testament to their talent, resilience, and the cultural power of Nigerian music, marking yet another milestone in the nation’s entertainment industry.