Renowned musician and producer, Cobhams Asuquo, has expressed disappointment with the Grammy Awards after no Nigerian artiste won a category at the 68th Grammy Awards.
Asuquo, in a video, humorously said the Grammys exploit Nigerian artistes to boost the US economy, saying they dangle validation “like a carrot” only for it to slip away.
“I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us, and it goes away,” Asuquo said.
He urged stakeholders to focus on building homegrown award platforms, stating, “I think we need to build something that is ours. Let’s grow something that can make other people converge in our space”.
Asuquo drew a comparison with American sports culture, citing the Super Bowl as a successful example.
“It’s only America that will do the Super Bowl and be playing it themselves”, he added.
American singer, songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor has expressed gratitude and reflected on her two-decade journey to her first GRAMMY nomination.
In an emotional post on Instagram, Taylor shared that she signed her first record deal on November 7th, nearly 20 years prior and has now received her first GRAMMY nomination on the same date in 2025.
Taylor described the journey as one of “highs, heartbreaks, reinvention, revelation” and thanked her support system, including her family, team, and label, for standing by her through the ups and downs.
Taylor wrote: “Nearly twenty years ago on November 7th I signed my very first record deal. And on November 7th, 2025… God said “remember when I told you the weight/wait wasn’t punishment? I told you it was preparation for what I already had written for you?? Baby girl, it’s your time.”
“Two decades of chapters —highs, heartbreaks, reinvention, revelation, rooms I prayed to enter, rooms I had to walk away from, and rooms I had to build myself. Every tear. Every closed door. Every whispered prayer at 3am in the studio. Every moment I wondered if what I carried would ever be seen…It all mattered.
“To finally receive my first GRAMMY nomination after 20 yearsssssss whew, my heart can barely hold the gratitude. To be seen this way. To be acknowledged for something I created from pure truth and obedience…It feels like God saying, “I never forgot you.”
“To my family, my team, my label, my day-one supporters & my prayer warriors..you held space for me when I couldn’t hold space for myself. You believed in me when I was tired…when I was empty… when I was ready to let music go. You gently guided me back to my gift”.
She also acknowledged the talented women who contributed to her project, Escape Room, and credited God for guiding her through the process.
Award-winning singer Tems dedicated the 67th Grammy Award to Mother after winning the Best African Music Performance category in the just concluded event.
Tems’s “Love Me Jeje” won her the prestigious award.
During an emotional acceptance speech, Tems dedicated the award to her mother, whose birthday was the following day.
She expressed gratitude to the mother for her unwavering support and love.
She said: “Wow, dear God. Thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team.
Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tito Da Fire, who doubles as an active Grammy voting member has opened up on the impact of the global music award on Afrobeats.
In a recent discourse, Tito Da Fire noted that as Afrobeats continues its meteoric rise globally, the Grammy Awards have played a pivotal role in amplifying its influence. He went further to stress how the recognition of artists like Wizkid, Anjelique Kidjo, Tems and others has brought African sounds to international acclaim.
In his words, “With the addition of a dedicated Best African Music Performance category in 2023, the Grammys further validates and celebrates the genre. However, it is worthy to note that the category is not an “Afrobeats Only” category, Ghana Highlife, South Africa’s Amapiano, Makossa, Zouk, Juju, Apala, Moroccan music are all eligible under this category, so Afrobeats world need to not get over the tops, but get into our turf daily with deeper ways of solidifying the sounds, taking keeping it original from the soul, cos right now the whole world is producing what sounds like Afrobeats, but what will continue to give we the foundational creators of the Genre an edge, is digging deep into that spiritual African percussive vibe, with the language, the rhythm, the percussions being a core element.”
For recording artists like Tito, this is not only a personal milestone but a collective win for African music’s representation on the world stage.
Tito Da Fire’s involvement as a voting member ensures that Afrobeats, a genre deeply rooted in African culture and heritage, continues to receive its deserved recognition.
As he campaigns for his 2024 Grammy-submitted single ‘Carry Go,’ Tito Da Fire underscores the role the Grammys play in fostering resilience, creativity, and cultural exchange in the global music industry.
Anderson Obiagwu the founder and CEO of African Muzik Magazine Awards has urged African musicians to value what belongs to them.
Obiagwu, who is also referred to as Big A, said this following Nigeria’s controversial outing at the just concluded Grammy Awards in California, America.
Five Nigerian music acts had a total of ten nominations at the Grammy Awards but won none.
Reacting to the development, Big A argued that Grammy’s only intention is to tap into the commercial gains of Nigerian music and culture.
“The Grammys will never understand our music. They’re just trying to tap into the commercial gains of the music and culture,” he said in a post on Instagram.
“That’s the white man mentality and unfortunately we’re still trapped in that slavery mentality. We only value it if it’s not coming from us.”
The minister’s plan to collaborate with Grammy organisers for an African version is considered to be misguided and capable of undermining the existing pan-African awards.
Musawa, according to stakeholders, in a statement, is on the verge of finalising a deal with the Grammy organisers to use its platform for the proposed African Grammy Awards, with Nigeria slated to host the inaugural edition.
Industry insiders, such as the CEO of Trending Musik Segun Ogunjimi, are cautioning against this move, citing the potential risks it poses to the African music industry’s autonomy and growth trajectory.
Ogunjimi highlighted what he called the remarkable strides made by Nigeria’s music industry players, which has achieved global recognition and acceptance without significant government support and foreign back-up.
He expressed apprehension that the proposed partnership with the Grammy Awards could undermine the industry’s progress ofvbover the past two decades.
Stakeholders are concerned that the proposed African Grammy Awards could overshadow existing continental music awards and platforms.
Ogunjimi stressed the need to maintain and promote African music on its own terms, rather than adopting foreign models that may not align with the continent’s cultural heritage and artistic direction.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priority. It’s shocking how the minister could endorse the adoption of an award by an entity that doesn’t understand our culture and heritage. It reeks of neo-colonialism, and many of us in the industry see it as a perpetuation of a culture of waste that could harm our economy.
“Why bring in an American entity when we have well-established music award institutions that have tirelessly celebrated and honoured our music icons in an authentic African manner, gaining global acceptance in the process? Instead of supporting homegrown initiatives like the Headies, All African Music Awards, AFRIMA, Soundcity MVP Awards, and Trace Awards, among others, the minister has opted to prioritize foreign involvement. This is unacceptable and should be condemned by all those who love this country and the creative industry.
“There is a movement within the music industry to reject this vexatious initiative by Musawa and we are calling on President Tinubu to prevail on the minister to bury this idea forthwith,” he said.
Benjamin Iguebor, a veteran music producer and industry consultant, echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of preserving Africa’s rich musical heritage and cautioned against prioritizing international recognition over the continent’s diverse musical traditions.
Iguebor emphasized the significant role that African music awards institutions, such as the All African Music Awards (AFRIMA), Headies, Ghana Music Awards (GMA),Soundcity MVP Awards, Trace Awards and SAMA, South African Music Awards amongst others, play in promoting the continent’s music industry on a global level. He argued that supporting these locally-grown initiatives is crucial in fostering the growth and sustainability of African music, rather than importing foreign elements that will not align with the continent’s unique cultural identity and context.
The minister could not be reached last night for her reaction. A message sent to her on Whatsapp was not replied.
Harvey Manson Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, the organising body for the Grammy Awards, has revealed how winners are selected for the prestigious music award.
This comes in the wake of the controversy surrounding the 2024 Grammy Awards, where several Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Davido, Asake and Ayra Starr could not secure a win in their respective categories.
Addressing the concerns in a viral video, Manson said that Grammy winners are chosen based on votes from members of the Recording Academy, who are music professionals in the United States.
He said that the selection process is not influenced by committees, labels, or journalists.
“You have to understand that the only way to win is to have the member of the academy vote for you. To be a member of the academy you have to be a professional, working in music in the United States for now. Hopefully, we grow that,” he said.
“But right now, if you are working professionally in the United States you can become a member of the recording academy.
“Once you are a member of the recording academy, all the music is submitted, the members listen to it and they evaluate it on the quality of the art.
“Not the sales, not the streams, not how many fans, but purely on the opinion. It is very hard, as you all know because it is subjective.
“It is no best song or best record, it is just the opinion of that membership of that particular year. That is how you win a Grammy. The voters vote. There is no committee, no journalist, and there are no labels.
“It is the music professionals voting for their peers,” he said.
Jay Z, the US rapper, also slammed the Grammy Awards for “never giving” Beyonce, his wife, ‘Album of the Year’ category in spite of her impressive record of 32 wins.
During Jay-Z’s acceptance speech for the Dr Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammys, he stated further: ‘“some of you will go home tonight and feel like you’ve been robbed, some of you may be robbed, some of you don’t even belong in the categories.” Also, last year, Angelique Kidjo said the Grammy Awards need to embrace “diversity and gender equality” to survive. Greg Carr, associate professor in the Department of Afro-American studies at Howard University, says the music industry was built on exclusion. “Once exclusion was no longer an option, the inclusion of Black music has been curated, at least historically, very carefully, to absorb that music while minimizing black people,” he says. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the grammys snub sparked widespread disappointment and frustration among fans and the Nigerian music community.
Social media platforms are flooded with expressions of disappointment, as fans lament the loss of their favourite stars.
The Best African Music Performance category saw South Africa’s Tyla emerge victorious with her song, “Water”.
Also, in the much-anticipated Best Global Music Album category, Davido and Burna Boy fell short, with Shakti’s “This Moment” clinching the coveted award.
The hashtag, #GrammySnubNaija, trended on X formerly Twitter, with fans venting their frustration over what they perceived as a missed opportunity for Nigerian music to gain international recognition.
The Twitterverse became a virtual town square for fans to voice their disappointment, frustration, and disbelief.
NaijaMusicLover tweeted, “I can’t believe what I just witnessed. All our hopes dashed in one night. Davido and Burna Boy deserved better.”
X user, @AfrobeatsQueen, shared a meme of a shocked face, captioned, “Me watching the Grammys realising they really snubbed our Nigerian kings. #ShameOnGrammys.”
@NaijaJollofQueen wrote, “This is beyond heartbreaking. Our artistes have been making waves globally, and the Grammys failed to acknowledge their impact. Disappointed but not defeated. We’ll keep shining.
In a series of passionate tweets, @MusicAficionado expressed, “It’s not just about winning awards. Nigerian music has influenced the world. Our artistes have elevated the game. Grammy or not, we are a force to be reckoned with. #NaijaStandUp.”
Celebrities also joined the conversation stating, “Sending love and respect to our stars who gave their all. We see your hard work and dedication. The Grammys might have missed it, but the world knows who runs the show. #NaijaToTheWorld,” they said.
In spite of the disappointment, some X users emphasise the need to focus on the bigger picture.
@AfrobeatInsider tweeted, “Let’s not forget the impact Nigerian music has made globally. Awards are just one part of the journey. Our artistes have opened doors for Afrobeats worldwide. The movement continues.”
NAN reports that Burna Boy received four nominations in 2024: Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” with 21 Savage); Best Global Music Performance (Alone); Best African Music Performance (City Boys) and Best Global Music Album (I Told Them).
Afrobeats podcaster and music A&R, Adesope Olajide aka Shopsydoo has said that the Recording Academy, producers of the Grammy awards, took advantage of Davido’s popularity to market the 66th edition which was held on Sunday, February 4.
The popular UK based music enthusiast said this in a live video on his Instagram page hours after Davido lost in all three categories he was nominated in.
Adesope, who was obviously not pleased with the outcome of the award, noted that the award committee had no intention of rewarding Davido with any golden gramophone but only nominated him to market their event.
He further said that it was a strategic move to gain more visibility among Africans, which also resulted in enlisting Burna Boy, who also lost in all four categories but performed at the event.
“The Grammy has no clue. They have no clue, they know nothing about our culture so we shouldn’t be wasting our energy there,” he said.
“They used David heavily to promote their platform, they relied hugely on the incredible numbers and audience that Nigeria and Africa brings so they announced one of the greatest musicians of our time to be performing which got us all excited. They nominated Burna Boy four times, they nominated Davido three times but they knew they were not going to treat them right.
“This week was about us coming to America, putting our flags down, building our bridges with our African American, expanding our coast beyond the African continent and embracing our brothers and sisters here in America.
“They have Tyler and an award but they were playing Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s ‘Water’ in the background, is that an organisation that understands us? They don’t care about us, they just wanna use us for promotions. One billion people in Africa and they want us to continue to serve the Grammys.”
Bathed in the luminous ambiance of the Peacock Theatre’s lights in Los Angeles, the stage for the 66th Grammy Awards in the United States, the Nigerian music industry achieved an unprecedented global recognition. Icons like Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Olamide and Ayra Starr clinched 10 nominations, an affirmation of Afrobeats’ resounding impact worldwide. Despite the lack of Grammy wins, the nominations underscored their indelible influence. The evening, a jubilant ode to cultural richness, symbolised a historic moment for Nigerian music, transcending geographical confines and laying the groundwork for sustained global acknowledgment. GBENGA BADA captures the spirit of optimism, echoing through the industry, in anticipation of the imminent success of Nigerian artists on the international stage.
In the heart of Los Angeles, under the glittering lights of the Peacock Theatre, the global music industry gathered for the 66th Grammy Awards, showcasing the rich diversity and talent that defines the international music scene. Among the nominees, a group of five Nigerian artists stood tall in the bubbling metropolis, their combined ten nominations reflecting the undeniable impact and influence of Afrobeats on the global stage.
United by a shared ambition, five Nigerian artists—David Adeleke (Davido), Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy), Ahmed Ololade (Asake), Olamide Adedeji (Baddo), and Oyinkansola Aderibigbe (Ayra Starr)—all aspired for the coveted victory. These artists, each a luminary in his or her own right, embarked on a journey that went beyond geographical boundaries, carrying the vibrant and infectious rhythms of Nigeria to a worldwide audience. The anticipation leading up to the awards was palpable, as fans and supporters eagerly anticipated the possibility of witnessing their favorite artists etch their names in history.
However, Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr – all lost out in their combined 10 nominations across different award categories. The nominations themselves were a testament to the artists’ prowess and the genre’s rising prominence. As the spotlight shone on these exceptional talents, it became clear that their impact was not confined to geographical boundaries. From the infectious beats of Davido to the thought-provoking lyricism of Burna Boy, the diverse styles of Asake, Olamide’s dynamic energy, and Ayra Starr’s soulful melodies, these artists had collectively created a sonic tapestry that resonated globally.
As the Grammy Awards unfolded, the excitement reached a crescendo, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of winners in various categories. Though the night didn’t see any Nigerian artist clinching a Grammy, the journey itself was a celebration of cultural richness and musical brilliance. Beyond the accolades, the artists’ presence on the Grammy stage marked a significant milestone for the Nigerian music industry. It was a testament to the genre’s ability to captivate audiences worldwide and break through cultural barriers. The nominations, a recognition of excellence, served as a springboard for even greater visibility on the international stage.
Despite leading the list with four nominations, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for his track ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World’ featuring 21 Savage, Best Global Music Performance for ‘Alone,’ Best African Music Performance for ‘City Boys,’ and Best Global Music Album for his seventh album, ‘I Told Them,’ Burna Boy, unfortunately, did not secure a win in any of the four categories. Davido trailed closely with three nominations, encompassing Best Global Music Performance for his track ‘Feel,’ Best African Music Performance for the song ‘Unavailable’ featuring Musa Keys, and Best Global Music Album for his fourth studio release, ‘Timeless.’
Olamide, Asake, and Ayra Starr all secured nominations in the recently established category, Best African Music Performance, for their tracks ‘Amapiano’ and ‘Rush’ respectively. However, in the Best Global Music Performance, Burna Boy’s ‘Alone’ and Davido’s ‘Feel’ faced stiff competition from Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain, and Rakesh Chaurasia, who collaborated on the winning track ‘Pashto.’ Furthermore, in the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them’ and Davido’s ‘Timeless’ faced another setback, losing to ‘This Moment’ by Shakti, featuring Shankar Mahadevan, Selvaganesh Vinayakram, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Ustad Zakir Hussain. Despite the challenges, the recognition and nominations underscore the global impact of Nigerian artists, contributing to the evolving narrative of African music on the world stage.
In the fiercely contested Best Melodic Rap Performance category, Burna Boy’s collaboration with 21 Savage, ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World,’ faced defeat against Lil Durk and J Cole’s ‘All My Life.’ Surprisingly, the category was claimed by the 22-year-old South African singing sensation, Tyla Laura Seethal, whose enchanting song, ‘Water,’ emerged victorious over the works of Burna Boy, Davido, Olamide, Asake, and Ayra Starr. While the loss has generated mixed reactions within the Nigerian music community, many hold the view that the Grammy’s elusive golden gramophone is not unfamiliar to the Nigerian music industry. Some industry stakeholders firmly assert that, despite the setback faced by Davido, Olamide, Asake, and Ayra Starr in their first attempt, they possess all the attributes necessary for future victories. Comparisons were drawn to Burna Boy, who, despite not securing a win initially, went on to clinch the prestigious award three times consecutively.
In the midst of varying opinions on the Grammy outcomes, Davido, who had openly expressed his desire to win the coveted award, emphasised in a recent interview that he believes he deserves 20 Grammys, considering the body of work he has consistently delivered over the years. “Shout-out to the Recording Academy. This is my first nomination ever. So it’s crazy to get three at once. We worked really hard on this album ‘Timeless.’ I was just really patient. So, if you ask me if I deserve Grammys in the past, I already need 20 Grammys. But, like I said, God’s timing is the best. We will see what happens,” Davido said.
In a gracious display of sportsmanship, both Davido and Ayra Starr took to their official social media accounts to extend heartfelt congratulations to Tyla following her well-deserved win. Using their respective platforms, Davido and Ayra Starr exemplified camaraderie and support within the music industry, showcasing a spirit of celebration for their fellow artist’s achievement. Their gestures not only demonstrated class and professionalism but also highlighted the unity and mutual respect that underlines the shared journey of artists in the dynamic realm of music. “Congratulations to my babessss,” Ayra Starr wrote while Davido wrote, “Congratulations on your win Tyla! Big one for Africa! Keep soaring.”
Another groundbreaking moment for Afrobeats
Despite the disappointment that left many Nigerians disheartened, Burna Boy etched his name in history as the first Afrobeats performer to grace the Grammy stage. The 32-year-old recording artist delivered a memorable performance, sharing the spotlight with Brandy and 21 Savage, as they collectively showcased the hit single ‘Sittin on Top of the World.’ This groundbreaking moment not only signifies Burna Boy’s impact on the global music scene but also highlights the growing recognition of Afrobeats as a significant force in the international music landscape.
In a spectacular showcase at music’s grandest stage, Grammy-winning Burna Boy brought the rich vibes of Afro-fusion to the forefront during the awards night. Despite not securing a win in four different categories, Burna Boy transformed Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, into a vibrant celebration of Nigerian music.
The fashion-conscious Burna Boy adorned himself in resplendent, bejeweled attire, adding a touch of elegance to the stage. Amidst a backdrop of colourful buildings and an ensemble of performers, Burna Boy danced exuberantly, delivering a joyous performance that featured several of his nominated works. The electrifying set included renditions of ‘On Form,’ ‘City Boys,’ and ‘Sitting On Top Of The World.’ The latter, featuring a special appearance by the iconic Brandy and the talented 21 Savage, added an extra layer of star power to an already dazzling performance. Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion showcase not only resonated with his global audience but also became a testament to the genre’s growing influence on the world stage.
While ‘City Boys’ may not have clinched a Grammy on the night, the track seized a moment in the spotlight during Burna Boy’s performance. The spotlight intensified when Brandy graced the stage with her divine vocals, exemplifying why her 1998 single ‘Top of the World’ was the perfect choice for sampling on Burna Boy’s ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World.’ Joined by a guest verse from the prolific 21 Savage, the trio flawlessly presented the updated version with a touch of elegance.
Burna Boy’s vocals reverberated through the venue, encapsulating the audience as he sang, “I pull up in my high fashion, every light flashing.” This collaborative performance not only celebrated the fusion of musical influences but also highlighted the seamless evolution of sound within the ever-expanding global music landscape. As discussions surrounding the Grammy results persist, the prevailing sentiment among stakeholders remains optimistic about the future prospects for Nigerian artists on the global stage. The belief is steadfast that, armed with their undeniable talent and resilience, Burna Boy, Davido, Olamide, Asake, and Ayra Starr are poised to make an indelible mark in subsequent Grammy ceremonies.
The organisers of the prominent Grammy Awards have put forward a list of African musicians who have gone home with a golden gramophone.
This move is done ahead of the 66th Grammy Awards which will be happening on February 4, 2023.
The ceremony would stream live on CBS and on-demand on Paramount +
In the list, the late South African singer, Miriam Makeba, came first as the first African to win a Grammy award in 1966 for ‘Best Folk Recording(with Harry Belafonte) followed by Nigerian pop singer, Sade Adu, who became the first Nigerian to bag the award in 1986 for ‘Best New Artist’.
The second to last name on its list was Burna Boy, who won the award for ‘Best Global Music Album’ in 2021.
The list of only 10 names, however, did not carry Nigerian singers, Wizkid and Tems which has caused a stir online.
Wizkid in 2021, won his first-ever Grammy award for his role in ‘Brown Skin Girl’, a 2019 song by Beyonce in the ‘Best Music Video’ category while in 2022 Tems won her first-ever Grammy award in the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ category for her role in ‘Wait for U’, the hit song by Future featuring Drake.
Below is the full list:
1. Miriam Makeba (South Africa) — Best Folk Recording (with Harry Belafonte) – 1966
2. Sade Adu (Nigeria/UK) — Best New Artist – 1986
3. Ali Farka Touré (Mali) — Best World Music Album – 1994
4. Cesária Évora (Cape Verde) — Best Contemporary World Music Album – 2004
5. Youssou N’Dour (Senegal) — Best Contemporary World Music Album – 2005
6. Angélique Kidjo (Benin/France) — Best Contemporary World Music Album – 2008
7. RedOne (Morocco) — Best Dance/Electronic Album – 2010
8. Tinariwen (Mali/Algeria/Libya) — Best World Music Album – 2012
9. Burna Boy (Nigeria) — Best Global Music Album – 2021
10. Black Coffee (South Africa) – Best Dance/ Electronic Album — 2022
Speaking on Burna Boy, the award organisers wrote: “Femi Kuti, King Sunny Adé, Babatunde Olatunji, and his rival WizKid had all received GRAMMY nods before Burna Boy became the first Nigerian male artist to grab a golden gramophone for original work. The Afrobeats megastar earned the prize for Best World Music Album in 2021 for his album Twice as Tall.”
The Nation reported that Burna Boy aside from being a nominee, would be performing on stage on Sunday in Los Angeles during the show alongside other artists including Luke Combs, Travis Scott, Billie Eillish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo amongst others.
