The 2024 Grammy Awards bring exceptional recognition to Nigerian music as a host of top-tier Nigerian artists earn prestigious nominations across various categories. From Afrobeats to African collaborations and innovative music videos, Nigerian nominees like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Davido are celebrated this year, marking yet another milestone for the country’s booming music industry.
Afrobeats Takes Center Stage in Grammy’s New Category: Best African Music Performance
One of the highlights of the 2024 Grammy nominations is the creation of a new category – Best African Music Performance – tailored specifically to recognize the impact of African music on the global stage. This groundbreaking category is a nod to the rise of Afrobeats and other African genres, and it’s no surprise that Nigerian artists dominate it:
Rema’s chart-topping hit “Calm Down”, including its viral remix with Selena Gomez, continues to garner international acclaim, making him a strong contender in this category.
Davido, a pioneer in pushing Afrobeats worldwide, is nominated with two entries: “Loyal” featuring Skepta and “Unavailable” with Musa Keys.
Spyro’s catchy single “Who Is Your Guy?” and Wizkid’s collaboration with Tems on “No More Games” both reflect the genre’s versatility, creativity, and appeal.
These nominations are a testament to the global appeal of Nigerian music, showcasing its vibrant, danceable soundscapes and narrative depth. For Nigerian music, this category represents an official validation of Afrobeats as a genre that resonates worldwide.
Best Global Music Performance and Album Categories Honor Nigeria’s Top Acts
Nigeria’s presence extends to the Best Global Music Performance category, with some of the country’s biggest names vying for the award. Burna Boy, known for his unique Afro-fusion style, is nominated for “Where I’m Coming From”, a track showcasing his introspective lyrics and genre-blending sound. Additionally, his track “Bayethe”, a collaboration with the late South African rapper AKA, also earned a nomination, bringing a Pan-African sound to the global category.
The Best Global Music Album category is another stronghold for Nigerian talent:
Yemi Alade is recognized for her album “Soldier of Love”, a testament to her powerful vocals and compelling narratives.
Sjava’s “Alone in Izinga” brings together his unique take on Afro-soul with elements of Nigerian and South African soundscapes, while the legendary Angélique Kidjo collaborates with a host of African musicians, including Nigerian artists, in “Mother Nature (Deluxe)”.
These nominations underscore the diversity of Nigerian music, moving beyond just Afrobeats to encompass a rich blend of traditional sounds, jazz influences, and contemporary Afro-pop.
Music Video of the Year: Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Nigerian artists are also up for Best Music Video honors, a category that recognizes the country’s vibrant and visually stunning storytelling techniques:
Rema and Selena Gomez’s music video for “Calm Down”, which blends colorful aesthetics with youthful energy, is a favorite in this category.
Davido’s “Unavailable”, featuring South African star Musa Keys, presents a high-energy video showcasing African fashion, dance, and lifestyle.
The video for Tiwa Savage’s “Tell Me”, a track with Wizkid, captures the romance and beauty of Nigeria’s landscapes, blending natural beauty with modern storytelling.
These nominees highlight how Nigerian artists are leading not only musically but also in the realm of creative visuals. Their work is connecting global audiences with African culture, style, and aesthetics.
Producer of the Year, Non-Classical: P2J’s Influence on the Afrobeats Sound
Nigerian-British producer P2J (Pelumi Akinbogun) is nominated for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, recognizing his influence on the Afrobeats genre. His work includes producing hit songs for Tiwa Savage, Wizkid, and other Afrobeat stars, establishing him as a leading figure in shaping the genre’s global sound. His nomination is a nod to Nigerian producers’ role in revolutionizing Afrobeat’s sonic landscape.
Song of the Year – Rema’s “Calm Down”
Rema’s “Calm Down”, one of the biggest Afrobeats hits globally, is also in contention for Song of the Year thanks to its infectious melody and cross-cultural appeal. This nomination is groundbreaking, positioning an Afrobeats song within one of the most prestigious Grammy categories and showcasing the genre’s potential to reach new heights.
A Celebration of African Music and Nigeria’s Continued Ascent
This year’s Grammy nominations demonstrate that Nigerian music is not just reaching international audiences but profoundly shaping the global music landscape. From pioneering a new Grammy category dedicated to African music to dominating various world music categories, Nigerian artists are setting a new standard for innovation, creativity, and global influence.
The 2024 Grammy Awards will be an exciting night for Nigerian fans and music lovers worldwide, as they witness the continued rise of Nigerian stars. As the world tunes in, these artists are proving that Nigerian music is here to stay, redefining global music and bringing Afrobeats and African sounds to new heights.
