Nigerian Artists Lead in Grammy Nominations as African Music Gains Global Recognition

 African Music Shines at the 2025 Grammy Awards

For the second year in a row, the Grammy Awards will feature the Best African Music Performance category, with Nigerian artists taking the spotlight. Among the standout nominees are established stars like Burna Boy and Asake, joined by rising talents such as Tems and Yemi Alade. This category highlights the global impact and growing influence of African music.

Nominees for Best African Music Performance

The nominees for Best African Music Performance bring a mix of seasoned and emerging talent. Here’s a look at this year’s contenders:

• Burna Boy – "Higher"
• Asake & Wizkid – "MMS"
• Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay – "Sensational"
• Tems – "Love Me JeJe"
• Yemi Alade – "Tomorrow"

Among these nominees, Tems stands out not only for her presence in this category but for her cross-category recognition. She’s nominated in multiple global music categories, making her a standout in the international scene.

Tems Makes Waves in Multiple Categories

Tems, already celebrated for her unique style and emotive voice, has earned several Grammy nominations beyond the African music category. Her debut album, Born in the Wild, is nominated for Best Global Music Album, while her song "Burning" has been recognized in the Best R&B Song category. With these nominations, Tems represents African talent on a global scale and showcases the continent’s influence across genres.

Other Global Music Nominations

In addition to Best African Music Performance, several African and international artists are competing in the Best Global Music Performance category:

• Angélique Kidjo & Soweto Gospel Choir – "Sunlight to My Soul"
• Rocky Dawuni – "Rise"
• Arooj Aftab – "Raat Ki Rani"
• Jacob Collier featuring Anoushka Shankar & Varijashree Venugopal – "A Rock Somewhere"

This category highlights a broad spectrum of musical traditions, further underscoring the global appeal and diversity of African and world music.

Shaboozey’s Breakthrough: Five Nominations Across Genres

Country artist Shaboozey has had an impressive year, earning five Grammy nominations across multiple genres. His breakthrough hit, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)", has earned him a nomination for Song of the Year. In addition to Best New Artist and Best Country Solo Performance, Shaboozey is also recognized for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his collaboration on Beyoncé’s track "Spaghetti". His genre-blending style highlights his versatility and showcases a rising artist with influence in both country and hip-hop.

The Rise of African Music at the Grammys

Since Burna Boy’s historic nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards, African music has enjoyed increased visibility and respect on the world stage. This trend reflects the global reach of African sounds and the growing appreciation for its diverse genres. Although Nigerian artists dominate this year’s Best African Music Performance category, there’s growing hope that more African nations will soon gain recognition, expanding representation across the continent.

Looking Forward to the 2025 Grammy Awards

The 2025 Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 2, 2025, promise to be a landmark event for African artists, particularly those from Nigeria. With nominations that reflect the diversity, richness, and evolving influence of African music, this year’s Grammys are poised to celebrate African talent on a larger stage than ever before.

Conclusion

As the world eagerly awaits the Grammy ceremony, this year’s nominations serve as a powerful reminder of African music’s global impact. With leading figures like Tems, Burna Boy, and Shaboozey, the 2025 Grammy Awards will not only honor individual accomplishments but also celebrate the vibrant diversity within African and global music. The awards ceremony is sure to showcase the best of African talent and highlight the ongoing evolution of the music industry towards inclusivity and cultural appreciation.