What To Know About New Grammy Category For African Musicians

The 2024 Grammy Awards are set to make history by introducing a dedicated category for African music for the first time.

The Recording Academy’s decision to showcase three new categories, including “Best African Music Performance,” is a testament to the global impact of Afrobeats, a genre that has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity.

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Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. expressed enthusiasm for the new categories, stating that they allow the acknowledgment and appreciation of a broader array of artists.

In addition to the Best African Music Performance category, the new additions include Best Pop Dance Recording and Best Alternative Jazz Album. Mason noted that these changes aim to honour and celebrate creators and recordings in diverse categories, exposing a wider range of music to fans worldwide.

Afrobeats, a genre characterized by its infectious rhythms and diverse influences, has witnessed a remarkable surge in global popularity. Spotify alone has reported a staggering 550% growth in Afrobeats streams since 2017, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing music genres worldwide.

As the 2024 Grammy Awards approach on February 4 in Los Angeles, here’s a glimpse into the five nominees for the historic Best African Music Performance category, each poised to make history.

Arya Starr

Nominated for her hit “Rush” from the debut studio album “19 & Dangerous,” Ayra Starr, also known as Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, has captured global attention. The 21-year-old Afropop singer, signed to Mavin Records, boasts collaborations with international stars like Kelly Rowland, Stormzy, and Nigerian sensations Tiwa Savage and Wizkid.

“Rush” not only charted globally but also went viral on TikTok, earning a spot on former US President Barack Obama’s playlist for 2022. With over 300 million streams on Spotify and nearly 300 million views on YouTube, Arya Starr’s nomination is a testament to her undeniable impact on the global music scene.

Asake & Olamide

Nigerian powerhouses Asake and Olamide earned their first Grammy nomination for their collaboration on the hit song “Amapiano.” Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, achieved the highest-charting Nigerian debut album on the Billboard charts in 2022 with “Mr. Money with the Vibe.”

The Grammy-nominated track is the third single off Asake’s second album, “Work of Art,” celebrating the Amapiano genre’s global popularity. Olamide, the label owner of YBNL Records, emphasized the need to create his own opportunities, stating, “There were no doors opening up, so I had to set up my own building and my own door.”

Tyla

South African sensation Tyla, at just 21 years old, earned her nomination for the massive hit “Water,” sparking a viral dance movement in 2023. Describing her sound as “Popiano,” a fusion of South Africa’s Amapiano genre and pop music, Tyla’s debut studio album showcases her rising trajectory.

“Water” not only became the highest-charting song by a South African solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 67 and rising to No. 10, but it also solidified her status as a rising star in the global music scene.

Davido, featuring Musa Keys

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido, known as David Adeleke, earned three Grammy nominations for his song “Unavailable” from the fourth studio album, “Timeless.” In addition to Best African Music Performance, he is nominated for Best Global Album and Best Global Music Performance.

Davido’s impact extends beyond the Grammys, as he was one of the most streamed artists on Spotify in Africa in 2023. Despite the accolades, he faced controversy leading up to the Grammys when fellow Nigerian star Tiwa Savage filed a police complaint against him over alleged threats.

Burna Boy

Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is no stranger to the Grammy Awards. With a total of four nominations this year, including Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Album, Best Melodic Rap Performance, and Best Global Music Performance, Burna Boy is set to perform at the awards.

The winner of the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for “Twice as Tall,” Burna Boy capped off a historic 2023 by topping the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Artists Chart. In 2021, he emphasized the personal connection to his music, stating, “Every one of my songs is basically part of my soul.

Bisina Somto

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Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.

She covers a wide range of topics, from celebrity interviews to industry trends and film reviews.

As an Entertainment Reporter for Prime Business Africa, She continues to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the entertainment industry, offering readers an insider's perspective on the latest developments and trends. She is a trusted source for breaking news, exclusive interviews, and thought-provoking analyses.

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