Nigerian Stars like Davido and Burna Boy faced Grammy disappointment as they lost out on the coveted awards despite the excitement leading up to the event held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, 3rd February 2024.
The 66th Grammy Awards featured a record number of Nigerian nominees, with five artists securing four out of five spots in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category. Surprisingly, none of the Nigerian artists won any of the awards they were nominated for.
A notable instance is Davido, whose hopes of winning his first Grammy were dashed as he lost out on the three categories he was nominated for, namely, Global Music Album for Timeless, Global Music Performance for ‘Feel’, and Best African Music Performance for ‘Unavailable’.
Burna Boy, a previous Grammy winner, also lost in the Global Music Album category, which he won in 2021, as well as in the Melodic Rap Performance and Global Music Performance categories.
Although many anticipated Burna Boy would secure at least one award after his historic performance as the first African act on the Grammy stage and being featured on the Grammy artist cover, he left empty-handed.
Indian artist Shakti won the Grammy for Global Music Album, surpassing his Nigerian competitors
In the female category, Tems, the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy, was snubbed, along with Ayra Starr, nominated for Best African Music Performance for her single “rush.”
Meanwhile, South African Artist, Tyla beat the likes of Davido, Burna Boy, Asake,Olamide and Ayra Starr to win the coveted new Best African Music Performance category for her worldwide hit ‘Water’
Notable misses also included Olamide and Asake, who lost their first-ever Grammy nominations for their collaboration “Amapiano” in the Best African Music Performance category.
CKay, the ‘Love Nwantiti crooner,’ also faced disappointment after earning a Grammy nomination for his work on Janelle Monáe’s “The Age of Pleasure,” nominated for Album of the Year.
These losses come at a time when Nigerian music and artists are gaining global recognition.
While some argue that Nigerian artists don’t need Grammy validation, the country’s music fans hope for better days ahead, believing that the nation can only continue to ascend in the global music scene.
Story: Ihuoma Ukeje