Burna Boy, Asake, Davido, Ayra Starr in tight battle for Grammys

The newly introduced Best African Music Performance category of the prestigious Grammy Awards has stirred up excitement and anticipation within the music industry.

With a range of nominees showcasing the continent’s rich musical landscape, the competition is set to be intense. Some of the nominees are Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy (City Boys); Olamide Adedeji and Ahmed Ololade aka Asake (Amapiano); David Adeleke, aka Davido, featuring Musa Makamu, aka Musa Key (Unavailable); and Oyinkansola Aderigbigbe, aka Ayra Starr (Rush).

South Africa’s Tyla Seethal was also nominated in the hotly contested category for her hit single, ‘Water’.

Meanwhile, Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, was nominated in the Best song written for Visual Media Category for her work on the song, ‘Lift Me Up’, which is a soundtrack for the film, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.

According to the organisers of the award, the new category was created to highlight Africa’s significant impact on global music. The first winner of the new category will be announced on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at the award ceremony, which will hold at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA.

Meanwhile, Davido was nominated in two other categories— Best Global Music Album, and Best Global Music Performance— and he has not hidden his desire to bring home the plaudits.

Speaking with a French TV channel, France 24, during the week, the ‘Unavilable’ singer said, “God’s timing is the best. African music has been dominant for years. I am really happy about this new category, not just for myself but my fellow nominees. It is very beautiful, given that people back home can make African music and win a Grammy. As I said, God’s timing is the best.”

Similarly, Ayra Starr noted that she already had her Grammy speech and outfit ready.

On the other hand, fans are looking forward to Burna Boy’s performance at the ceremony. The Grammy Award-winner was nominated in three categories—‘Best Melodic Rap’, ‘Best Global Music Album’, and ‘Best Global Music Performance’.

Other artistes that will perform at the event include Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, Olivia Rodrigo and Luke Combs.