2023 has been a landmark year for African music on the international stage, further cemented by the recent 2024 Grammy Awards nominations. African artists are making history, thanks to The Recording Academy’s introduction of the Best African Music Performance category, a significant recognition of the genre’s global impact and cultural significance.
Shawn Thwaites of The Recording Academy, discussing the new category, emphasized that this move is a celebration of Africa’s rich musical diversity. “This is a great step forward!” he remarked.
Among the 2024 Grammy nominees from Africa are Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, Musa Keys, Asake, and Olamide, all contending for Best African Music Performance. Additionally, Trevor Noah is in the running for Best Comedy Album.
At FORBES AFRICA, we’ve compiled a list of the year’s most influential African hits, drawing on social media buzz, Spotify streams, and YouTube views. These artists have not only captured attention but have also seen their music, some released before 2023, continue to trend globally.
