As the 66th Grammy Award Ceremony approaches, all eyes in Nigeria and across the continent are fixed on the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category. Originally dominated by Nigerian artists, the inclusion of South Africa’s Tyla and her song ‘Water’ adds an extra layer of diversity to the nominations.
In the lead-up to the Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, DAILY POST delves into the prospects of each nominee in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category.
Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush’ stands out with its unique Grammy nomination, breaking the eligibility frame rules and making her, at 21, the youngest Nigerian to receive such an honor. Speculations among music enthusiasts suggest the likelihood of a female winner in the new category, with Ayra Starr and Tyla being the frontrunners. The lyrical depth and vocal performance of ‘Rush’ contribute to its chances of clinching the Best African Music Performance award.
Asake’s ‘Amapiano,’ featuring Olamide, is distinctive for being predominantly sung in Yoruba, making it the only nominee in the category with such linguistic richness. The track, blending Amapiano progressions with hip-hop elements, could potentially win based on the rising popularity of the Amapiano genre and Asake’s artistry.
Burna Boy, a seasoned nominee, presents ‘City Boys,’ one of his four nominations at the 66th Grammys. With a rich lyrical and vocal delivery, combined with Burna Boy’s Grammy track record and performance slot at the event, ‘City Boys’ emerges as a strong contender for the Best African Music Performance award.
Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ featuring Musa Keys, is a favorite, marked by its lyrical depth and visually appealing Zulu-themed music video. Positioned as Davido’s best chance to secure his first Grammy, ‘Unavailable’ competes not only in the Best African Music Performance category but also in two other global music categories.
Tyla’s ‘Water’ may lack overt African elements, but it aligns with the Grammy’s definition of the Best African Music Performance category, encompassing various African music genres. Despite being the most popular among the nominees, the Grammy’s emphasis on quality over popularity makes ‘Water’ a contender on its musical merits. Additionally, some predict a favorable bias towards South African nominees among Grammy voters.
Regardless of the outcome, tonight’s Grammy Awards will mark a historic moment for an African artist, potentially paving the way for more Grammy winners from the continent.