Nigerian Afrobeats luminaries, including Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Ayra Starr, Olamide, and Asake, faced disappointment at the 66th Grammy Awards, where they collectively received 10 nominations across five categories. Despite their formidable presence, victory eluded them on Sunday night.
In the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, the accolade went to South-African singer Tyla for her 2023 track, “Water,” leaving the Nigerian contenders unrewarded.
Burna Boy and Davido vied for the prestigious ‘Best Global Album’ category, but it was the world fusion band Shakti who emerged victorious with their album “This Moment,” surpassing Burna Boy’s “I Told Them” and Davido’s “Timeless,” along with other nominees.
In the Global Music Performance category, Burna Boy and Davido faced another defeat, as Indian composer Zakir Hussain secured the Grammy for his track “Pashto,” featuring Bela Fleck and Edger Meyer.
Lil Durk’s collaboration with J Cole on “All My Life” thwarted Burna Boy’s aspirations, clinching the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap, leaving Burna Boy empty-handed despite four nominations.
Tems, who had previously won a Grammy last year in the Best Melodic Rap category for her collaboration with Future and Drake on the track ‘Wait for You,’ faced disappointment this time in the Song Written for Visual Media category.
Despite the setbacks, the Nigerian artists showcased their resilience on the global stage, with their nominations standing as a testament to their impact and recognition in the international music scene.