Afrobeats singers Yemi Alade, Wizkid & Asake, Burna Boy, Tems, and Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay have been nominated for the “Best African Music Performance” category at the 67th Grammy Awards.
A year after the Recording Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category to the Grammy Awards, African music has continued to raise the bar with afrobeats stars churning out African music on a steady.
The Best African Music Performance made its debut with South Africa’s Tyla winning for her hit song Water, a blend of South African amapiano and Afropop.
Nigerians are looking forward to who will be crowned the biggest afrobeat star at music’s biggest night later today at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
“Tomorrow” — Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade has gained her first solo Grammy nomination for her song “Tomorrow” produced by Dee Yasso. The song which was released in 2024 boasts of a strong African identity blending Nigerian and South African rhythms and lyrics.
“MMS” — Asake & Wizkid
Ahmed Ololade Asake popularly known as Asake captured the hearts of his fans last year with the release of his single dubbed, “MMS”. The song is a standout on his new third studio album, “Lungu Boy”. Asake teamed up with Afrobeats sensation Wizkid for this song. The song has been nominated for the best African MUSIC performance for the 67th Grammy Awards contending with other heavyweight singers in the category.
“Sensational” — Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay
This year’s nominations have sparked controversy with the inclusion of US R&B singer, Chris Brown for his song “Sensational” which incorporates Afrobeats elements and features guest vocals from Nigerian artists Davido and Lojay.
This year might just mark the first time a non-African will be crowned winner of the category at Music’s biggest night in Los Angeles. But till then, fingers remain crossed!
“Higher” — Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy is not a stranger to the awards circuit. He has been nominated in different categories for the Grammy Awards.
He won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album “Twice as Tall.” He also ended a historic 2023 at No. 1 on the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Artists Chart, as well as one of the 10 most streamed male African artists on Spotify.
The ‘Dangote’ crooner has now totalled six consecutive years with Grammy nominations-including his recent single “Higher” which has been nominated for the “Best African Music Performance” at this year’s ceremony.
“Love Me JeJe” — Tems
Grammy award winner Temilade Openiyi known as Tems in the music industry been releasing hit songs since 2020, recording with top hit makers including Drake, Rihanna and Beyoncé. Tems is up for nominations across three categories — Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Album and Best R&B Song — making her the most nominated African act this year.
The singer in 2024 released her debut studio album, “Born in the Wild” Her song “Love me jeje” which is a standout from the album has been nominated for the Best African Music Performance category at this year’s awards. (Channels)
