The 67th Grammy Awards nominations have been announced, and Nigerian music is once again in the spotlight, with artists like Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Tems, and others achieving recognition. This year, the Grammys made history by introducing the Best African Music Performance category, a move that reinforces the global rise of African music and culture. Here’s a breakdown of the Nigerian artists nominated and what it means for the Afrobeats genre.
Best African Music Performance: Nigeria Leads the Charge
The Best African Music Performance category is not only a new addition but also a testament to the strength of Nigerian music on the world stage. Interestingly, all the nominees in this category are Nigerian, with the exception of American artist Chris Brown, whose song includes Nigerian stars Davido and Lojay. This lineup demonstrates the influence Nigerian music has on both African and international artists alike.
Here are the nominees for the Best African Music Performance category:
Yemi Alade – “Tomorrow”
Asake featuring Wizkid – “MMS”
Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay – “Sensational”
Burna Boy – “Higher”
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
This nomination list highlights the versatility of Nigerian artists, with each song capturing different facets of Afrobeats, from Yemi Alade’s uplifting anthems to Asake and Wizkid’s dynamic collaborations. Notably, Water by South African singer Tyla won this category at the 66th Grammys, making this the second year the award has celebrated African music specifically.
Best Global Music Album: Rema and Tems Raise the Bar
In addition to dominating the Best African Music Performance category, Nigerian artists Rema and Tems have both been nominated for Best Global Music Album. Tems’ debut album, Born In The Wild, and Rema’s sophomore release, HEIS, will compete with albums from international artists including Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Alkebulan II), Ciro Hurtado (Paisajes), and Antonio Rey (Historias De Un Flamenco).
This category has long been a space for recognizing music from around the world, and the inclusion of Rema and Tems highlights the Grammy’s growing recognition of Afrobeats as a significant global music force.
Tems Scores a Nomination in the Best R&B Song Category
Tems continues to make waves beyond Afrobeats, securing a nomination in the Best R&B Song category for her single “Burning.” This category features all-female nominees this year, including powerful tracks like Kehlani’s “After Hours,” Coco Jones’ “Here We Go (Uh Oh),” Muni Long’s “Ruined Me,” and “Saturn” by SZA. Tems’ nomination here is a testament to her versatility and ability to blend genres seamlessly, making her a standout artist in both African and global music scenes.
What This Means for Nigerian Music and Afrobeats
The prominence of Nigerian artists across categories at the Grammys underscores the international appeal of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. The creation of the Best African Music Performance category acknowledges the cultural and commercial impact of African artists. From the catchy rhythms of Asake to the introspective style of Tems, each nominated song and album showcases the diverse talents and storytelling traditions that have put Nigerian music on the map.
With Burna Boy, Asake, Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, and more representing Nigeria at the 67th Grammys, it’s clear that Afrobeats has not only become a globally recognized genre but also one that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. As fans eagerly await the Grammy Awards ceremony, Nigerian music is undeniably positioned to continue shaping the global music landscape in exciting new ways.
With the 67th Grammy awards upcoming, all eyes are on Nigerian artists as they take their place on the world’s biggest music stage—ready to bring home more accolades and amplify the powerful wave of Afrobeats.
