Why are we still waiting for the first African to win the Grammy Awards?
Just like every writer dreams of winning the Nobel Prize award, the same applies to every musician.
The highly coveted Grammy Awards has never been won by any African till date. Although we’ve had many nominees such as Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Femi Kuti, and Seun Kuti; but none seems to have done enough to win the accolade.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
Could this mean that African musicians are not doing enough to convince the organizers of the Awards?
I don’t think so. In fact, Africans are doing exceedingly great. After the American music industry, I will choose the Nigerian music industry as second if not first. I don’t see how the American music industry is better than us.
We have talented musicians who were not given the right opportunity and environment to grow, yet they made waves and even collaborated at the International level. Examples include, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Kiss Daniel, Wande Coal, Simi, Phyno, Adekunle Gold, Patoranking, Dbanj, Don Jazzy, Ruggedman, Timaya, Tuface Idibia and many more. They all started from scratch.
Back in the 90s, Africans only listened to American music but these guys have changed the game. People now listen to Nigerian music. Even the Americans listen to Nigerian music. We’ve seen collaboration with international acts like Beyonce, Chris Brown, Wyclef Jean, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg and many more.
But the big question is, ”why haven’t we seen any Grammy Awards winner from Africa?”
What are the criteria being used by the Grammy Awards organizers in selecting their winners?
Whatever the criteria may be, I don’t see any reason why it should elude Africans. It’s time for African musicians to win this.
I nominate Ayo Balogun, aka Wizkid, to win Grammy Awards this year. The CEO of Star Boy record label has really been a top hit for ages. He’s been 10 years in the game and he’s getting stronger.
His collaboration with Beyonce titled ”BROWN SKIN GIRL” is a banger. I don’t see any reason why the Soco crooner shouldn’t win the award.
Lyrically, he is sound. No wonder he had a sold-out concert at the O2 arena in London. He has also won numerous international accolades to back his talent. It is time for Africans to get what we deserve.
Grammy Awards cannot continue to overlook our homegrown talents making waves outside. If they are getting featured by international acts, it simply shows they are amazing.
Let’s not only preach equality but also let’s practice it.
We hope to see Wizkid and many more African musicians win the Grammy Awards this year.
Your argument would hold truth if the we were 6 years behind.
A certain Nigerian has claimed that prize. Sikiru Adepoju won the best contemporary music album in 2015.
Your argument would hold truth if they were made 6 years ago.
A certain Nigerian has claimed that prize. Sikiru Adepoju won the best contemporary music album in 2015.