The upcoming 2024 GRAMMYs are set to be a historic event, especially for African music, with the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category. This inclusion marks a significant milestone for the continent’s music industry, showcasing its commercial success and cultural influence.
Shawn Thwaites of the Recording Academy highlighted the importance of this new category, stating, “This move celebrates the diversity and richness of African music, marking a great step forward.”
African artists have long graced the GRAMMY stage, from Ali Farka Touré to Wizkid, across various styles like Ethio-jazz, Ghanaian drill, and kwassa. This year, Nigerian Afrobeats takes the spotlight with nominations for Burna Boy, ASAKE, Davido, and Ayra Star.
Interestingly, 2023 has seen Afrobeats stars blending their sound with amapiano, the South African house music sensation. This fusion is evident in three of the five nominated tracks, with ASAKE explicitly referencing amapiano in his nominated song.
As the GRAMMYs approach, let’s delve into the nominees and their groundbreaking tracks:
“Amapiano” – ASAKE & Olamide ASAKE, a rising star, has captivated audiences with his blend of diverse African sounds, especially amapiano. His album ‘Work of Art’ is a testament to this fusion, and “Amapiano” stands out as both a nod to the genre’s popularity and a creative take on its style.
“City Boys” – Burna Boy Burna Boy, the face of Afrobeats, continues to dominate the music scene. His track “City Boys,” which samples Jeremih’s “Birthday Sex,” is a stylish nod to hip-hop’s extravagance, earning a spot on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
“UNAVAILABLE” – Davido Featuring Musa Keys Davido has been a proponent of amapiano, and “UNAVAILABLE,” from his album ‘Timeless,’ showcases a bright, smooth take on the genre. The track exemplifies his status as one of Afrobeats’ leading figures.
“Rush” – Ayra Starr Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” propelled by TikTok, combines Afrobeats rhythms with glimmering synths, reminiscent of early 2010s electro-pop. The track’s message of determination and success resonates globally.
“Water” – Tyla Tyla, representing South Africa, has made waves with “Water,” a song that blends American pop with Amapiano beats. The track’s success on TikTok has helped it climb the Billboard Hot 100.
The 66th GRAMMY Awards, returning to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on February 4, 2024, promise to be a night of celebration for these trailblazing artists. The event will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+, marking a significant moment for African music on the global stage.
