The Grammy Awards, considered the pinnacle of musical recognition, are highly sought after by artists in various genres. Within the Afrobeats scene, luminaries such as Burna Boy and 9ice, among others, have harbored aspirations of securing this prestigious accolade, viewing it as a paramount benchmark in their musical pursuits.
Interestingly, unlike the Reggae genre, which has enjoyed triumphs at the Grammy Awards since the 1980s, the Afrobeats dream materialized only after Burna Boy and Wizkid’s historic victories in 2019. This significant achievement eventually led to the establishment of a dedicated category for African music and subsequent nominations for several artists within the genre.
As we approach the 2024 Grammy Awards, the anticipation is palpable, with Afrobeats and Reggae artists vying for recognition. Here is the comprehensive list of nominees from these vibrant musical genres.
Best African Music Performance
The 2024 Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance showcase a remarkable dominance by Nigerian artists, underscoring the country’s influential presence in the global music scene. Notably, Asake and Olamide received debut nominations for their collaborative Amapiano single, contributing to the Nigerian takeover of the category. Tyla, the sole non-Nigerian contender, secured a nomination for her chart-topping breakout single, “Water.” Ayra Starr, with her track “Rush,” also earned a nomination, highlighting the impact of her rising career. The category’s closing debut nomination goes to Davido and Musa Keys for their collaboration on “Unavailable.” However, standing out as the only artist without a debut nomination is Burna Boy, whose track “City Boys” adds to the competitive mix in this category. The diversity of styles and accomplishments within the nominations emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of the Afrobeats and Reggae genres on the global stage.
Best Melodic Rap Performance
Being the sole nominee in its category, Burna Boy secures a nomination for the Afrobeats genre with his single “Sitting On Top of the World,” featuring 21 Savage. This hip-hop-infused track stands out as it notably samples Brandy’s hit single “Top Of The World” with Mase, originally released in 1998. Despite stiff competition in the category, with heavyweights like Drake, Sza, Lil Durk, and others also earning nominations, Burna Boy’s recognition highlights the global influence and innovation within the Afrobeats genre. The fusion of contemporary beats with nostalgic elements from the late ’90s showcases the genre’s ability to evolve while paying homage to its roots.
Best Global Music Album
In its third edition since undergoing a renaming three years ago, this category promises an exhilarating Afrobeats rumble, with Burna Boy’s “I Told Them” going head-to-head with Davido’s “Timeless,” alongside other noteworthy albums vying for the prestigious nomination. The competition within this category is set to be intense, as these two standout albums showcase the pinnacle of Afrobeats artistry. Burna Boy’s “I Told Them” and Davido’s “Timeless” bring distinct flavors to the genre, each album contributing its own unique blend of musical prowess and cultural significance.
Best Global Music Performance
In a highly anticipated showdown, two Nigerian musical powerhouses, Burna Boy and Davido, are currently battling for the title of supremacy in the music industry. Burna Boy, renowned for his exceptional talent, presents a formidable contender with his track “Alone,” featured on the acclaimed Black Panther Album. On the other side of this epic clash is Davido, who brings his smash hit “Feel” into the ring. Both artists, giants in their own right, are gunning for the top spot, making this showdown a momentous event in the realm of Nigerian music.
Best Reggae Album
In the highly competitive realm of reggae music, a fierce race for glory ensues as five formidable contenders vie for the coveted title with their epic albums. Generational talents such as Buju Banton, with his album “Born For Greatness,” and the iconic Beenie Man, presenting “Simm,” bring their A-game to the table. Collie Buddz enters the fray with the compelling “Cali Roots Riddim 2023,” adding another layer of depth to the competition. The legendary Burning Spear joins the lineup with the powerful “No Destroyer,” showcasing the enduring impact of his musical prowess. Additionally, the dynamic collaboration between Julian Marley and Antaeus unfolds in the vibrant “Colors Of Royal,” contributing to the diversity and richness of the race. Each artist’s unique contribution promises an exhilarating clash of musical styles and , making the contest an exciting spectacle for reggae enthusiasts worldwide.
Several other African artists have earned joint nominations for their featured works, gaining recognition across various categories. Fireboy has secured a spot on the esteemed World Music Radio, while Amaarae, Seun Kuti & Egypt, and CKay collectively shine on “The Age of Pleasure,” a contender for Album of The Year.
Tems, a formidable artist and skilled songwriter, receives credit for her contribution to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” earning a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media. Shifting the spotlight to Tanzania, Rayvanny and producer S2kizzy take the limelight in the ‘Best Latin Pop Album’ category, a remarkable inclusion alongside contenders such as Maluma’s album ‘Don Juan’ and the track ‘Mama Tetema.’
In summary, notable highfliers in this year’s nominations for Afrobeats include Ayra Starr, Tyla, Asake, and Olamide, all making debut appearances. Davido, on his debut nomination, scored a remarkable two nominations. However, the pinnacle of success, with a considerable margin, belongs to Burna Boy, who, with his three nominations, brings his tally to an impressive 10 nominations. This marks a significant achievement for the artists, highlighting their impact and recognition in the music industry.