Sophia Michaels
Excitement is brewing within the music community as the 2024 Grammy Awards ceremony approaches.
This year, five exceptional Nigerian artistes’ nominations have attracted the interest of fans and industry experts.
Their presence celebrates Nigerian music’s dynamism while also highlighting Afrobeats’ global importance.
The addition of the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category to the award event has also sparked excitement among the African music community.
The 66th Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024 in Los Angeles.
Here are the five Nigerian artistes nominated for this year’s ceremony.
1. Burna Boy
Burna Boy, dubbed the “King of Afrofusion,” had already won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021.
This year, he received four nominations: Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” with 21 Savage), Best Global Music Performance (Alone), Best African Music Performance (City Boys), and Best Global Music Album (I Told Them).
The Nigerian music star will also create history as the first Afrobeats musician to perform at the 2024 Grammy, alongside American performers Brandy and 21 Savage, according to Rolling Stone.
2. Davido
Davido is aiming for his first Grammy win this year.
He received his first nominations for Best Global Music Album (Timeless), Best African Music Performance (“Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys), and Best Global Music Performance (Feel).
Before the presentation, Davido stated in an interview that he ought to have won 20 Grammys already.
3. Asake
Asake, a rising star in the Afrobeats genre, was nominated in the 2024 Grammy Awards for Best African Music Performance for his popular song “Amapiano.”
With his upbeat, energizing Afrobeats and compositions inspired by Amapiano, Asake has become a household name in Nigeria since making his debut.
In June 2023, the Nigerian music star released “Work of Art,” his second studio album.
4. Olamide
Olamide has made history as the first Nigerian rapper to bag a Grammy nomination. His collaborative song with Asake, ‘Amapiano’ was nominated in the maiden Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys.
‘Amapiano’ will contest the award with Davido’s ‘Unavailable’, Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys’, and Tyla’s ‘Water.’
5. Ayra Starr
With her popular song “Rush,” afrobeat musician Ayra Starr is among the first nominees for the newly created Best African Music Performance category.
Ayra Starr discussed her joy for receiving her first Grammy nomination and her preparations in different interviews, going into everything from her red carpet outfit to her acceptance speech practice.
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Source: Vanguard
