Year 2024, marks a significant milestone as we see a large number of Nigerian artists being nominated for Grammy Awards. Just last week, artists like Tems received nominations for her debut album, Born In The Wild, in the Best Global Music Album category. Similarly, Rema’s HEIS album is competing for Best Global Music Album. Asake has also been nominated for MMS ft. Wizkid in the Best African Music Performance category.
Higher by Burna Boy, Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, Love Me Jeje by Tems, and Sensational by Chris Brown, Davido & Lojay are also up for the Best African Music Performance category.
This year also marks the first Grammy nominations for Yemi Alade, Rema, and Lojay.
This surge in nominations can be attributed to the newly introduced Grammy Award category of Best African Music Performance, which Tyla from South Africa became the inaugural winner of at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024. She also made history as the youngest-ever African artist to win a Grammy Award.
The significance of this new award category focused on African music highlights the global influence of African music and provides artists from the continent with a prestigious platform to shine.
Building on this momentum, it’s essential to recognize the pioneering Nigerian and other African artists who have already made their mark at the Grammy Awards. Notable Nigerian and African musicians have won prestigious Grammy awards in different categories in previous years, paving the way for this new generation of talent.
Who was the first African artist to win a Grammy?
Reflecting on the history of African Grammy winners, one legendary figure stands out – Miriam Makeba, the iconic South African singer known as the “Empress of African Song,” played a pivotal role in introducing African music to the global stage, proudly showcasing native languages and melodies. In 1966, Miriam Makeba became the first African to win a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording, alongside Harry Belafonte, for their collaborative album “An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba.” This groundbreaking album featured 12 tracks, with five from Makeba and five from Belafonte, and two duets, sung in indigenous languages such as Xhosa and Zulu.
Who was the first Nigerian to win a Grammy?
Fast-forward to 2009, Sikiru Adepoju, a Nigerian-born artist, made history at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. He won the Best Contemporary World Music Album award for “Global Drum Project,” marking the first time a Nigerian living in the country, with no dual nationality, received the honor. However, other Nigerian artists with dual nationality had previously claimed Grammy success. Notably, Sade Adu, the Nigerian-British singer, won Best New Artist in 1986 and went ahead to win 3 more years after.
Who are some recent Nigerian Grammy winners?
In recent times, we have seen a good number of Nigerian artists getting off the Gramophone, Burna Boy’s milestone moment came at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, where he clinched his first Grammy for Best Global Music Album with “Twice As Tall.” This victory marked a turning point for Nigerian music on the global stage. That same night fellow Nigerian artist, Wizkid also received his first Grammy win for Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl”. Fast forward to the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, Tems joined the esteemed list of Nigerian Grammy winners.
Who is the first African artist to perform at the Grammys live event?
Burna Boy became the first African artist to perform on the Grammys live stage at the 66th Awards show in 2024, marking a significant record for the contagious Afrobeats genres and African music. During this historic moment, Burna Boy incorporated elements that define the feel of Afrobeats, from traditional drums to dancers. It was a performance to remember, one that got people on their feet and brought cultures together.
Who are the African Artists with Multiple Nominations?
We have seen African artists gather numerous Grammy nominations, just like South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo group which stands out with an impressive 17 nominations and 5 wins. Their 1988 Grammy win for Best Traditional Folk Recording marked a milestone. Benin’s legendary Angélique Kidjo boasts 15 nominations and 5 wins, including Best World Music Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in 2015.
Burna Boy also stands firmly in the category of African artists with a large number of Grammy nominations, totaling 11 solid nominations with being nominated for 6 consecutive years. Tems also joins the list with 8 nominations, with 3 in a single year.
Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour also holds a position with 6 nominations and a singular win for Best Contemporary World Music Album for ‘Egypt’ at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards. His contributions to African music’s global reach are undeniable. Wizkid also holds a total of 5 total nominations. Joining the ranks of accomplished African artists is Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni, a multiple Grammy nominee.
Which African country has produced the most Grammy winners?
When it comes to the African country that has produced the most Grammy Winner, it is South Africa, from Miriam Makebe the first winner to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Soweto Gospel Choir with 3 Grammys to their belt, Black Coffee who won a Grammy award for Best Dance/Electronic Album for his seventh studio record, “Subconsciously”, which also made him the first African to win in the Grammys Best Dance/Electronic Album, Tyla, Who also won a Grammy for Best African Music Performance with her global hit song “Water” in 2024 and many more.
Nigeria closely follows South Africa as the African country that has produced a significant number of Grammy winners, including artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, and more.
Mali comes third among African countries with the most Grammy winners, with artists such as Ali Farka Touré, who has won three Grammys, including the 1995 award in the ‘Best World Music Album’ category for his album ‘Talking Timbuktu’.
Which African artist has the most Grammy nominations in a single night?
Burna Boy also made history as the most nominated Nigerian and African artist in one night at the 66th Grammys, He received nominations for “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” (Best Melodic Rap Performance), “I Told Them…” (Best Global Music Album), “Alone” (Best Global Music Performance), and “City Boys” (Best African Music Performance). Davido also got Three solid nominations at the 66th Grammy Annual Award.
Did Fela Kuti ever win a Grammy?
Whenever the Grammys and Nigerian are mentioned together, one question always sparks curiosity: ‘Has Fela won a Grammy?’ While Fela himself didn’t receive the award, his impact on Nigerian Grammy winners is undeniable. As the Grammy Awards continue to recognize and celebrate African excellence, the future looks brighter than ever. With each new win, nomination, and submission, the continent’s vibrant music scene is propelled onto the global stage. The legacy of pioneers like Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and others inspires a new generation of artists to push boundaries and defy expectations.
The recognition of African artists at the Grammy Awards marks a significant milestone in the global music industry. As African music continues to thrive, it’s essential to acknowledge the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.
As the Grammy Awards continue to recognize and celebrate African excellence, the future looks brighter than ever. With each new win, nomination, and submission, the continent’s vibrant music scene is propelled onto the global stage. The legacy of pioneers like Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and others inspires a new generation of artists to push boundaries and defy expectations.
