The 67th GRAMMY Awards are shaping up to be another milestone for African music, particularly with the second annual Best African Music Performance category. This nomination list is a testament to the genre’s unstoppable global rise, featuring a mix of veterans, fresh talents, and even an American artist experimenting with Afrobeats.
A Category That Matters
The introduction of this category in 2024 was long overdue. Africa’s diverse and dynamic music scene has influenced global soundscapes for decades, yet it was only last year that the GRAMMYs finally acknowledged its distinct contribution. South African singer Tyla made history as the inaugural winner with her smash hit Water, a song that transcended borders and topped the Billboard Hot 100. However, this year, she won’t be defending her title, leaving the door open for five new contenders who bring unique flavors to the competition.
The Nominees: A Celebration of Sound
Yemi Alade – Tomorrow
Yemi Alade, often referred to as “Mama Africa,” is no stranger to success. Her ability to blend Afropop, highlife, and dancehall has made her a staple in African music. With Tomorrow, she takes a bold leap into amapiano, a genre that has been steadily dominating global charts. The track, featuring production by Yasso, is vibrant, uplifting, and filled with self-assurance—an anthem of resilience. Despite this being her first-ever GRAMMY nomination, her impact on African music has long been cemented.
Burna Boy – Higher
Burna Boy’s influence on the African music industry is undisputed. Having already secured a GRAMMY in 2021 for Twice As Tall, he remains a dominant force in the global music scene. Unlike his last nomination for City Boys, which was a brash and boastful track, Higher takes a more introspective route. Over a mellow, amapiano-infused beat, Burna reflects on life’s struggles and the need for perseverance. The accompanying video, which highlights his charity work in Port Harcourt, reinforces the song’s deeper message. If impact and storytelling matter, Burna Boy could easily walk away with this award.
Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay – Sensational
Chris Brown’s presence in this category raises an interesting debate: Should non-African artists be nominated for the Best African Music Performance award, While Sensational is undoubtedly an Afrobeats song, it is still a product of an American artist adapting the genre. Featuring Nigerian superstars Davido and Lojay, the song is smooth and catchy, but its nomination could spark conversations about the GRAMMYs’ criteria for this category. Does simply collaborating with African artists make a song African, It’s a valid question that the Recording Academy might need to address in the future.
Asake & Wizkid – “MMS”
Asake has been one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats, seamlessly blending amapiano with indigenous Yoruba sounds. MMS, featuring Wizkid, is a reflective piece that showcases Asake’s signature vocal delivery alongside Wizkid’s smooth and effortless flow. The track incorporates jazz and R&B influences, proving once again that African music is as versatile as it is innovative. With Asake’s growing international appeal and Wizkid’s legendary status, this nomination feels well deserved.
Tems – Love Me JeJe
Tems has already made history as the first African artist to top the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to Future’s Wait For U, which sampled her song Higher. However, Love Me JeJe is all her own,a soulful, nostalgic take on Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic. Her ability to reinvent a beloved hit while maintaining her signature sound proves why she’s one of Africa’s most compelling artists today. The song, which debuted at Coachella, bridges past and present, making it a strong contender for the award.
Predicting the winner is tricky. Burna Boy’s Higher has the emotional depth and social impact to sway voters, while Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow is a joyful, danceable anthem. Tems’ Love Me JeJe carries nostalgic weight, and Asake & Wizkid’s MMS is a fusion of sounds that embodies Afrobeats’ evolution. However, the biggest wildcard is Sensational, a song that, while undeniably catchy, might raise eyebrows about the category’s purpose.
Regardless of who wins, the nominations alone prove that African music is thriving. The genre’s global influence is undeniable, and its artists continue to push boundaries. The GRAMMYs may have only recently created this category, but African music has been dominating for years. It’s about time the world officially took notice.
This report is published as part of the writer’s internship with Nollywire, facilitated by the National Association of Campus Journalists(NACJ), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS).