The 67th annual Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and Nigerian music is taking center stage at this year’s event, with some of the country’s brightest stars vying for prestigious honors. Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, and Asake will all be competing for top awards at the ceremony, which will be held this Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The competition is fierce as these Nigerian artists are nominated in major categories such as Best African Music Performance, Best Global Music Album, and Best R&B Song. Leading the pack is Tems, who has earned three nominations this year, while Burna Boy is making history as the first African artist to receive Grammy nominations for six consecutive years.
“It’s a huge moment for Nigerian music,” Burna Boy said in a recent interview. “We’ve worked hard, and now we are seeing the fruits of that labor. The world is watching us, and it feels incredible.”
Burna Boy’s nomination comes for his hit song “Higher,” from his album I Told Them, which was released in June 2024. This is his second consecutive nomination in the Best African Music Performance category. Alongside him, Nigerian music queen Yemi Alade, Afrobeat sensation Asake, and global star Chris Brown, featuring Davido and Lojay, are all in the running for the same award.
Tems – A Triple Threat
Tems is another standout this year, with three nominations to her name. In addition to being nominated for Best African Music Performance with her track “Love Me Jeje,” she is also competing in the Best Global Music Album category for her debut album Born in the Wild. Tems is also in the race for Best R&B Song for “Burning,” a track from the same album.
Building on her previous Grammy win for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U,” fans are hopeful Tems will add more Grammy trophies to her collection. “I’m grateful for the recognition,” Tems shared. “Winning a Grammy is not just a personal achievement, it’s a victory for Nigerian music.”
Yemi Alade, Asake, and Rema – First-Time Nominees
Yemi Alade, Asake, and Rema are all making their Grammy debut this year. Alade has been nominated for Best African Music Performance with her song “Tomorrow,” a recognition that highlights her hard work and influence in the Afrobeat genre. The “Mama Africa” singer, who has surpassed 100 million views on YouTube for a single video, faces tough competition from Burna Boy, Tems, and Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay.
“I’ve put everything into my music, and this nomination is a testament to the dedication I’ve shown over the years,” said Yemi Alade, expressing her excitement about the recognition.
Rema, who has made waves internationally, received a nod for Best Global Music Album for his song HEIS. Many believe this nomination was long overdue, and if he wins, it could mark a turning point in his career, making him an even bigger global star.
Asake, another major contender, earned a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his song “MMS,” featuring Wizkid. His rise to international recognition has been swift, and a win at the Grammys would solidify his place among Afrobeat’s finest.
Global Artists and Grammy’s Changing Focus
Also in the running for the Best Global Music Performance award is legendary Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo, who may take home the trophy for her collaboration with the Soweto Choir on the track “Sunlight to My Soul.” She faces competition from Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni, but her rich experience and powerful music may help her clinch the award.
Trevor Noah, host of the Grammys for the fifth year in a row, is also nominated for Best Comedy Album. The comedian-turned-host will bring his signature humor to the stage while also serving as a producer for the event.
This year’s Grammy ceremony will have a different feel, as several traditional events have been canceled in favor of raising funds for relief efforts following the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. The Recording Academy and MusiCares have pledged over $3.2 million in emergency aid for music professionals affected by the fires.
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A Star-Studded Lineup
The Grammy Awards are set to feature performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Shakira, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monáe, John Legend, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Newcomers such as RAYE, Sabrina Carpenter, and Doechii will also take the stage.
Meanwhile, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, which will be broadcast live, will feature performances from renowned artists like Yolanda Adams, Deborah Cox, and Béla Fleck.
Beyoncé’s Record-Breaking Nomination
Among the nominees this year, Beyoncé leads the pack with an impressive 11 nominations, including a nod for Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter. Her historic number of nominations makes her the most-nominated female artist in a single year. Other notable nominees include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone, each receiving seven nominations.
As the Grammys approach, all eyes will be on the Nigerian stars who have made their mark in the global music scene. The question on everyone’s mind is: will one of them bring home a Grammy gold-plated trophy? The odds are in their favor, but with fierce competition from other global superstars, it’s anyone’s guess.
One thing is certain: no matter the outcome, Nigerian artists are continuing to make waves worldwide, and their presence at the Grammys is a testament to the global impact of Afrobeat and Nigerian music.