Grammy season is upon us once again!. The biggest stage in the world of music excellence recognition is about to get lit up this Sunday!. The previous edition was a memorable one for Afrobeat. While we anticipate the 64th edition of the Grammys, here are key moments worthy of recap from the last edition (solely based from an Afrobeat perspective).
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African Giant to the World: The 63rd edition of the Grammys was hosted in Los Angeles, USA. The city fondly known as the “city of Angels” would be the host to a myriad of stars including Nigerian Afrobeat superstar, Burna boy who was scheduled to perform at the Grammy Premiere show which was to be live-streamed on the Recording Academy’s official website, and hosted by three time nominee Jhené Aiko. This meant that Burna boy would be the first ever Afrobeats artist to perform at the Premiere award ceremony.
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As expected, Burna came prepared!, to kickstart his invigorating medley performance, The 29 year old Afro fusion superstar rendered a live performance to his TAT Album opener, “Level up”, this time he wasn’t assisted by Senegalese singer, Youssou ndour, but rather beautifully accompanied by a choir. The setting of this performance was the historic National theatre in Lagos, Nigeria.
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Just before viewers could catch their breath, the trajectory changed. The next scene would see Burna boy perform his hit single, “Onyeka” the performance was poised with female Dancers who were dressed in traditional regalia, and talking drummers who emphasized the African culture that Burna boy proudly represents. To end the medley, Burna boy performed “YE” in a classic fashion that only Burna boy knows how.
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Big Wiz Bags First Grammy: Popular Nigerian Afrobeat singer/Superstar , Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun widely known as Wizkid won his first ever Grammy Plaque on March 14, 2021. His contribution to the Beyoncé single featuring Blue ivy, and Saint Jhn, “Brown skin girl” earned him the award. “Brown Skin girl” Won the award for best music video at the 63rd Annual Grammy awards.
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This win set the social media in a big frenzy!, as enthusiastic Wizkid fans expressed their joy on different social media platforms, especially on popular social media blogging site, Twitter. While some fans were applauding the superstar’s amazing achievement, some overzealous fans equally seized the opportunity to banter rival fan-base. Overall, It was a memorable night for Afrobeat, and Wizkid.
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Global Music Album Award: Prior to the P.diddy executively produced “Twice as Tall” project, Burna boy was nominated at the 62nd Annual Grammy ceremony for his 2020 body of work, “African Giant”. He was nominated in the World music album category(before it was reformed to Global Music Album Award), but lost to Popular Beninese Singer-Songwriter, Angélique Kidjo.
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Fast forward to 2021, Burna boy’s effort will be rewarded, as he became triumphant by winning the Global music Album Award. This feat meant that Burna boy was the first Afrobeat artiste to win in this category. This marked yet another win for Afrobeat!
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As this year’s edition of the Annual Grammy Award Ceremony draws closer, Afrobeat flagbearers are once again representing at the forefront. Last year, we took the world by storm, dominating international music charts, breaking streaming records, and unlocking new opportunities such as the Inaugural Afrobeat Billboard charts that was launched very recently. We can’t wait to see what this year’s edition is about to unfold. Cheers to Afrobeat!!.
