Earlier in 2023 the Recording Academy in America announced a new category in the Grammy Awards. The category is titled ‘Best African Music Performance’ and was created to highlight the richness of African music across from across the continent.
The genres recognized in this category include Afrobreats, Bongoflava, Chimurenga, Kwassa etc. This year the award category has five Nigerians in the category (Asake, Olamide, Burna Boy, Davido and Ayra Starr).
- Asake & Olamide – Amapiano
- Burna Boy – City Boys
- Davido ft. Musa Keys – Unavailable
- Ayra Starr – Rush
- Tyla – Water
This comes at a time more African artists and musicians are earning fans in western countries with the rise of Afro-beats.
Burna Boy also has the most nominations from an African artist with four (Best Melodic Rap Performance (Sitting’ in top of the world ft 21 Savage), Best Global Music Album (I Told Them…) and Best Global Music Performance (Alone).
Representing South Africa, Tyla (real name Tyla Laura Seethal) is also nominated for her hit trending Water song.