The effect good music has on people is mind-blowing. Songs like Water No Get Enemy by Fela Kuti or No Woman No Cry by Bob Marley are remembered for their melodic tunes and groovy beats which endeared them to the hearts of their listeners so much so that they earned various awards and international certifications for cementing their place in music history.
In Nigeria, music has always had a place in our history. From the era of apala to fuji to afro fusion, making music has always been ingrained into our culture. Now, as a result, the recognition of Nigerian music has been astronomical, both home and abroad. First of such is the nomination of various Nigerian artistes for the Grammy awards.
The Grammy awards are part of the Big Three major music awards and as such, recipients of such awards are seen as prominent figures in the music industry. Following the release of the list of nominees for the 66th Grammy awards, the Nigerian music community was set abuzz with the nomination of Asake, Burnaboy, Davido, Ayra Starr and Olamide, even after the event was concluded yesterday.
This year’s edition of the award served as the first of many to come for afrobeat powerhouse, Davido, clenching nominations for Best Global Music Album (Timeless), Best African Music Performance (“Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys), and Best Global Music Performance (Feel). Asake was nominated for Best African Music Performance for his popular song “Amapiano.” Olamide made history as the first Nigerian rapper to bag a Grammy nomination. His collaborative song with Asake, ‘Amapiano’ was nominated in the maiden Best African Music Performance category. Afrobeat artist Ayra Starr is one of the inaugural contenders for the newly established Best African Music Performance category with her hit song “Rush.”
In 2021, Burna Boy—also known as the “King of Afrofusion”—won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album. He was nominated for four awards this year: Best African Music Performance (City Boys), Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” with 21 Savage), Best Global Music Performance (Alone), and Best Global Music Album (I Told Them).
However, hopes were dashed and dreams shattered as our stars were unable to bring the awards home. Various fans took to social media platform,X (formerly known as Twitter), to express their displeasure:
Regardless of their loss, it is glaring that Nigerians, and by extension Africans, are being recognised on a global scale. Gone are days where Nigerian musical artistes go through unnecessary hoops to have their music streamed overseas, let alone fill up stadiums, sell out shows or feature/collaborate with international artistes outside our shores.
The nomination of these artistes not only proves that we’re getting recognised for our culture, hard work and importance but that we’re already leaving a mark in every field, including the music industry.
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