Does Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, And Asake Have A Shot At Winning A Grammy?

The stage is set for the 66th Grammy Awards, and Nigeria’s music industry is poised to make waves once again. As we eagerly anticipate the ceremony on February 5, 2024, let’s explore the chances of Nigerian stars at the Grammy Awards, with a focus on the nominees and their potential victories.

Nigeria’s connection with the Grammy Awards dates back to the early ’80s when King Sunny Ade earned his first nomination in 1983.

Over the years, several Nigerian artists have left their mark on the prestigious awards, including Sikiriu Adepoju, who became the first Nigerian to win a Grammy in 2008 for his contributions to the ‘World Drum Project.’ The Kutis, with a total of eight global nominations between them, have further solidified Nigeria’s presence at the Grammys.

The recent surge in Afrobeats’ global popularity has paved the way for Nigerian pop artists to grace the Grammy nomination list.

Burna Boy, after earning his first nomination in 2019, secured a Grammy in 2021 for “Best Global Album” with “Twice As Tall.” Following in his footsteps, Wizkid and Tems have garnered multiple nominations, adding to Nigeria’s growing influence in the global music scene.

Record Nominations for Nigerians

The 66th Grammy Awards see a record number of Nigerian nominations, with five artists nominated across four categories. Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Asake & Olamide, and Davido are all vying for the newly created “Best African Song Performance” category, showcasing the undeniable impact of Afrobeats on the Western music scene.

Best African Song Performance

The newly announced category boasts a significant Afrobeats representation, underlining the genre’s popularity. The nominees, Asake & Olamide, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido featuring Musa Keys, and South Africa’s Tyla, compete with chart-topping hits such as “Amapiano,” “Rush,” “City Boys,” “Unavailable,” and “Water.” The winner of this category remains uncertain, given the absence of precedence, making it a keenly contested award.

READ ALSO:What To Know About New Grammy Category For African Musicians

Best Global Music Album

The “Best Global Music Album” category, however, leans towards traditional-styled music. This genre predates Afrobeats and blends Western influences with indigenous African genres.

Despite Burna Boy’s historic win in 2021 with “Twice As Tall,” this category traditionally favours non-mainstream African music. Davido’s “Timeless” and Burna Boy’s “I Told Them” face an uphill battle against formidable contenders, including Bokanté, Shakti, and Latin Grammy winner Susana Baca.

Best Global Song Performance

In the “Best Global Song Performance” category, Burna Boy’s “Alone” and Davido’s “Feel” contend with traditional elements, contrasting with mainstream Pop appeal.

Strong competition arises from Grammy-winning Arooj Aftab, BlueGrass legend Béla Fleck, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reflecting the category’s historical preference for traditional music.

Best Melodic Rap Performance

Burna Boy makes history as the first Nigerian lead artist nominated outside of the global categories in the “Best Melodic Rap Performance.” Competing against established American stars, including Lil Durk, Doja Cat, Drake & 21 Savage, and SZA, Burna Boy faces a tough challenge.

Lil Durk’s commercial success with “All My Life” and SZA’s record-breaking nine nominations make this category fiercely competitive.