Nigerian musicians, referred to as the hottest, or most trending right now, from the likes of Burnaboy, Wizkid, Davido, Asake, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, and others making the wave, pardon me, I almost forgot our golden boy, Rema who recently did us proud at the Ballon d’or ceremony in France, you would agree with me that right now, they are the most sought after.
Though some African artists have been nominated for the Awards and even won but due to the dynamic nature of the music industry and the evolving recognition of artists the list may not be entirely all embracing. However, Prior to the 2023 edition of the nomination, here are the notable figures to have come from Africa.
Ali Farka Toure (Mali)
Femi Kuti (Nigeria)
Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Wizkid (Nigeria)
Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
Mariam Makeba (South Africa)
Sikiru Adepoju (Nigeria)
Asake (Nigeria)
Olamide (Nigeria)
Eddy Kenzo (Uganda)
Rocky Dawuni (Ghana)
Router Kellerman (South Africa)
Terms (Nigeria)
Zakes Bantwini (South Africa)
Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa)
While it is obvious Nigerians dominate African representatives in recent memory, the question therefore is, are they the most successful also to have taken the award home from an African perspective? While this year is arguably Africa’s best year to win as many as we can, the list is competitive nevertheless, but Nigerian artists have done more than enough to deserve a place at every nomination they might have earned.
The upcoming 2023 Grammy Awards boast an impressive lineup of African talent across various genres, showcasing the continent’s musical diversity. Here’s a glimpse of the nominated African artists and their categories:
Best Global Music Album:
1. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – “Love, Damini”
2. Angélique Kidjo (Benin) – “Queen of Sheba”
Best Global Music Performance:
1. Burna Boy (Nigeria) – “Last Last”
2. Eddy Kenzo (Uganda) – “Gimme Love”
3. Rocky Dawuni (Ghana) – “Neva Bow Down”
4. Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, Nomcebo Zikode (South Africa) – “Bayethe”
Best Melodic Rap Performance:
1. Tems (Nigeria) – “Wait For U” (collaboration with Future and Drake)
Best Rap Song:
1. Future featuring Drake and Tems (Nigeria) – “Wait for U”
Best Song Written for Visual Media:
1. Angelique Kidjo (Benin) – “Keep Rising (The Woman King)”
Kidjo’s win for “Mother Nature” marked her fifth Grammy victory. The continuous recognition of African artists signifies the global acknowledgment of the rich musical contributions from the continent. Stay tuned for the exciting celebration of these artists’ hard work on the grand stage.
Most Grammy Wins by An African
Africa’s best bet even in this year’s nomination is still the most successful to have won the grammy multiple times. Angelique Kidjo, from Benin. She has received several Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album. Kidjo’s wins include albums such as “Djin Djin,” “Eve,” and “Sings,” showcasing her remarkable contributions to world music.
Grammy-Winning African Artists:
Angélique Kidjo (Republic of Benin): 5 Grammys
– Best Contemporary World Music Album (2007)
– Best World Music Album (2015, 2016, 2020)
– Best Global Music Album (2022)
Ali Farka Touré (Mali) 3 Grammys
– Best Global Music Album (1995 – “Talking Timbuktu”)
– Best Traditional World Music Album (Posthumous – 2010, “Ali and Toumani”)
Mariam Makeba (South Africa) 1 Grammy
-Best Folk Recording (1966 – “An Evening with Makeba/Belafonte”)
Sikiru Adepoju (Nigeria) 2 Grammys
Best World Music Album (1991 – “Planet Drum”)
Best Contemporary World Music Album (2008 – “Global Drum Project”)
Babatunde Olatunji (Nigeria) 1 Grammy
Best World Music Album (1991 – “Planet Drum”)
Owuor Arunga (Kenya) 3 Grammys
Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance (2014 – “Thrift Shop”)
Best Rap Album (2014 – “The Heist”)
Youssou Ndour (Senegal): 1 Grammy
Best Contemporary World Music Album (2005 – “Egypt”)
Tems (Nigeria) 1 Grammy
Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023 – “Wait For U”)
Richard Bona (Cameroon) 1 Grammy
Best Contemporary Jazz Album (2002 – “Speaking Of Now”)
Wizkid (Nigeria): 1 Grammy
Best Music Video (2021 – “Brown Skin Girl”)
Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa): 3 Grammys
Best Traditional World Music Album (2007, 2008)
Best World Music Album (2019 – “Freedom”)
Burna Boy (Nigeria):1 Grammy
Best World Music Album (2021 – “Twice As Tall”)
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