The nominees for the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 66th GRAMMY Awards are set to make history. As one of the newly-added categories for the 2024 GRAMMYs, this award signifies the remarkable commercial and cultural impact of African music.
The creation of this category aims to highlight and celebrate the diversity and richness of African music. Shawn Thwaites, project manager at the Recording Academy, expressed excitement about this milestone, stating, “This is a great step forward!”
African musicians have had a significant presence at the GRAMMYs over the years, from Ali Farka Touré to Wizkid. Nominees from various African musical styles, including Ethio-jazz, Ghanaian drill, high life, and kwassa, have the opportunity to compete for this prestigious award. However, this year, Nigerian Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, ASAKE, Davido, and Ayra Star shine particularly bright, securing nominations.
Interestingly, this year witnessed a departure from conventional Afrobeats as artists embraced the sensual and pulsating sound of amapiano, a South Africa-born house offshoot that has taken the music scene by storm. Three out of the five nominated tracks draw inspiration from amapiano, with ASAKE even referencing the genre in the title of their nominated track. Additionally, Tyla, a South African artist, demonstrates the widespread influence of piano power with their blend of ama and R&B.
Let’s take a closer look at the nominees and anticipate who will receive this groundbreaking award at the 2024 GRAMMYs, scheduled for Sunday, February 4.
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“Amapiano” – ASAKE & Olamide
ASAKE’s rapid rise to fame parallels the Afrobeats equivalent of Beatlemania. With a captivating persona and remarkable stage presence, ASAKE has become massively popular, despite having only two albums under their belt. Their album “Work of Art” masterfully blends amapiano with Mauritian séga music and fújì, an Indigenous Yoruba genre from Nigeria. The nominated track “Amapiano” cleverly rearranges elements of the genre, combining dynamic rapping from ASAKE and featured artist Olamide with iconic log drum sounds.
“City Boys” – Burna Boy
Burna Boy, an iconic figure in Afrobeats and the entire African music industry, has established himself as a global superstar. With two consecutive Best Global Album GRAMMY nominations and collaborations with renowned artists like Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber, Burna Boy’s star power is undeniable. “City Boys,” produced by MD$ and Ruuben, features a sample from Jeremih’s sultry R&B classic “Birthday Sex.” The track’s stomping, glamorous beats pay homage to the influence of hip-hop on Afrobeats, while the accompanying video showcases Burna Boy’s larger-than-life presence.
“UNAVAILABLE” – Davido Featuring Musa Keys
Davido‘s support for amapiano predates the current wave of popularity. In 2021, he collaborated with amapiano DJ and MC Focalistic on “Champion Sound,” which played a crucial role in introducing the genre to the Afrobeats scene. “UNAVAILABLE,” a GRAMMY-nominated single from Davido’s album “Timeless,” exemplifies the forward momentum of amapiano beats. With triumphant choral vocals on the hook and confident verses from Davido and collaborator Musa Keys, the track showcases Davido’s ongoing contribution to the genre.
“Rush” – Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr, a rising star born in Benin to Nigerian parents, has already made significant waves in the music industry. Signed to the renowned Mavin Records label, she has earned three Nigerian number one singles and collaborated with artists like Wizkid. “Rush,” with its anthemic tone and TikTok virality, propelled Ayra Starr up the global charts. The track’s Afrobeats clave rhythm and Nigerian pidgin lyrics blend seamlessly with glimmering synths, reminiscent of early 2010s electro-pop.
“Water” – Tyla
At just 21 years old, South African artist Tyla has already achieved notable success in her home country, earning two South African Music Awards nominations. Her lead single, “Water,” from her upcoming debut EP, made history by becoming the first solo South African musician in 55 years to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s crossover appeal lies in its Amapiano instrumental, which provides a distinct backdrop for Tyla’s confident and desire-filled vocals. Sung entirely in English, the track exudes a captivating blend of Afrobeats and American pop influences.
These exceptional nominees represent the groundbreaking talent and cultural significance of African music. As the industry eagerly awaits the 2024 GRAMMYs, the Best African Music Performance categoryis poised to be a highlight of the evening, showcasing the vibrant and diverse sounds of the African continent. The winner of this historic award will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the global music scene, further cementing the influence and power of African music in the industry.
