At the 66th Grammy Awards, there was a mix-up during the announcement of the winner for the first Best African Music Performance category. The organizers played Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s track ‘Water’ while announcing South African singer Tyla as the winner with her song ‘Water.’ Tyla’s track prevailed over songs by Nigerian artists such as Davido, Asake, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr.
However, after the announcement, Fela’s classic ‘Water No Get Enemy’ was played instead of Tyla’s song, sparking reactions from fans and music critics in Nigeria, who criticized the Recording Academy for the error.
Reactions as Grammy Awards play Fela Kuti’s ‘Water’ while announcing Tyla as winner
AlvinAdegoke penned: “Abi Grammy think say nah tyla water be this 🫠😹.”
iam_Daposh noted: “You sure say no be Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s “Water” Tyla submit to #Grammy’s.”
adepromise said: “Abi Tyla submitted Fela Water to Win Grammy. We need to do our investigation.”
Mayo6Tee reacted: “They Submitted which Water lol 😂 🤣🤣😂😂 .. @RecordingAcad you’ve done it again.”
bruzieee wrote: “This is pure foolishness, why use Fela song titled Water? Are they ashamed to play the song that got the award?”
Watch the video below …
Fela Kuti’s “Water” was played when Tyla was announced winner of “Best African Music Performance” at the #Grammys 👀 pic.twitter.com/hzjjynvBKA
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) February 4, 2024