In a rather disappointing turn of events at the just-concluded 66th Grammy Awards ceremony, the Afrobeats genre faced significant setbacks, failing to secure victories in all nominated categories.
Starting with Burna Boy, who was nominated in four categories, including Best Melodic Rap for “Sitting On Top Of The World” featuring 21 Savage, lost to Lil Durk & J. Cole’s “All My Life.” The much-anticipated showdowns in the remaining three categories, namely Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Performance, and Best Global Music Album, also ended in losses.
Despite these setbacks, Burna Boy made history as the first Afrobeats act to perform at the Grammy mainstage, sharing the spotlight with Brandy and 21 Savage.
Davido, too, faced disappointment, losing in all three of his nominated categories. His first-time nominations included Best Global Music Album, won by “This Moment” by Shakti, Best Global Music Performance, claimed by Bela Fleck’s “Pashto,” and Best African Music Performance, taken by Tyla’s “Water.”
Other first-time nominees, including Ayra Starr, Olamide, Musa Keys, and Asake, also experienced losses. Tems, Amaarae, Seun Kuti, Fireboy, and Egypt 80 found themselves on the unfortunate end as well.
Conversely, the Reggae genre celebrated a triumph in the Best Reggae Album category, as the dynamic collaboration between Julian Marley and Antaeus unfolded in the vibrant “Colors Of Royal,” securing the win.
