Meet the 2024 Grammy Nominees with African Roots: Celebrating Afrobeats and Afropop
It’s that exciting time of the year again – the 66th Grammy Awards are just around the corner, and the nominations are out! This year, we’re thrilled to see a fantastic lineup of artists with African origins making waves in the prestigious Grammy nominations. Let’s dive into the list of these talented musicians who are bringing the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats and Afropop to the global stage.
The Pioneers of Afrobeats and Afropop in the 2024 Grammy Nominations
Asake & Olamide
Nominated for “Amapiano” in the Best African Music Performance category, Asake and Olamide are making a significant impact with their collaborative effort, showcasing the rich and rhythmic sounds of Afrobeats. Asake burst onto the scene with his infectious rhythms, Asake has captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide. His unique blend of traditional African sounds with contemporary beats makes him a standout nominee this year. Olamide, a household name in the Afrobeats genre, Olamide’s nomination is a testament to his enduring influence and innovative music style. He continues to push the boundaries of the genre, earning him a well-deserved spot among the Grammy nominees.
Burna Boy
No stranger to the Grammy nominations, Burna Boy’s fusion of Afrobeats, dancehall, and reggae has made him a global icon. Burna Boy’s nominations include; ‘City Boys’ – Best African Music Performance, ‘Sitting On Top of the World’ featuring 21 Savage – Best Melodic Rap, ‘I Told Them’ – Best Global Music Album, and ‘Alone’ – Best Global Music Performance. His nomination this year further cements his status as a trailblazer in the African music scene.
Davido
Known for his catchy tunes and charismatic stage presence, Davido has been a significant force in popularising Afrobeats worldwide. Davido’s nominations are; ‘Unavailable’ featuring Musa Keys – Best African Music Performance – ‘Timeless’ – Best Global Music Album, and ‘Feel’ – Best Global Music Performance. His Grammy nomination is a nod to his relentless creativity and impact on the music industry.
Musa Keys
Emerging as a fresh face in the Afropop scene, Musa Keys has quickly made a name for himself with his melodious tracks and innovative sound. His nomination for ‘Unavailable’ with Davido is a sign of the exciting new talent coming out of Africa.
Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s soulful voice and empowering lyrics have made her a rising star in the world of Afropop. Her Grammy nomination for ‘RUSH’ – Best African Music Performance is a win for female artists in the African music industry.
Tyla
Tyla’s nomination for ‘Water’ – Best African Music Performance is a celebration of the dynamic and diverse nature of African music. Her ability to blend different genres into her music makes her a unique and exciting addition to this year’s Grammy nominees.
Why This Matters: 2024 Grammy Nominations
The inclusion of these artists in the Grammy nominations is a significant moment for African music on the global stage. It highlights the growing influence and popularity of Afrobeats and Afropop, genres that have been reshaping the musical landscape worldwide.
Looking Forward : 66th Grammy Awards
As we gear up for music’s biggest night, let’s cheer on these incredible artists who are representing African music at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Their nominations are a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the rich musical heritage that Africa brings to the world.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don’t forget to celebrate these artists who are making history!
The 66th Grammy will be held on February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Best Global Music Performance
Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily – Shadow Forces
Burna Boy – Alone
Davido – Feel
Silvana Estrada – Milagro Y Disastre
Falu & Gaurav Shah (ft. PM Narendra Modi) – Abundance In Millets
Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain ft. Rakesh Chaurasia – Pashto
Ibrahim Maalouf ft. Cimafunk & Tank and the Bangas – Todo Colores
Best Global Music Album
Susana Baca- Epifanías
Bokanté – History
Burna Boy – I Told Them…
Davido – Timeless
Shakti – This Moment
Record of the Year
“Worship,” Jon Batiste
“Not Strong Enough,” boy genius
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
“On My Mama,” Victoria Monét
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
“Kill Bill,” SZA
Album Of The Year
World Music Radio, Jon Batiste
the record, boy genius
Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus
Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, Lana Del Rey
The Age Of Pleasure, Janelle Monáe
GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo
Midnights, Taylor Swift
SOS, SZA
Song Of The Year
“A&W,” Lana Del Rey
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
“Butterfly,” Jon Batiste
“Dance The Night,” Dua Lipa
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“Kill Bill,” SZA
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
Best New Artist
Gracie Abrams
Fred again.
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Coco Jones
Noah Kahan
Victoria Monét
The War And Treaty
Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Daniel Nigro
Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Shane McAnally
Theron Thomas
Justin Tranter
Best Pop Solo Performance
“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
“Paint The Town Red,” Doja Cat
“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
“Vampire,” Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero,” Taylor Swift
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Thousand Miles,” Miley Cyrus feat. Brandi Carlile
“Candy Necklace,” Lana Del Rey feat. Jon Batiste
“Never Felt So Alone,” Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish
“Karma,” Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice
“Ghost In The Machine,” SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers
Best Pop Vocal Album
Chemistry, Kelly Clarkson
Endless Summer Vacation, Miley Cyrus
GUTS, Olivia Rodrigo
– (Subtract), Ed Sheeran
Midnights, Taylor Swift
Best Dance/Electronic Recording
“Blackbox Life Recorder 21F,” Aphex Twin
“Loading,” James Blake
“Higher Than Ever Before,” Disclosure
“Strong,” Romy & Fred again..
“Rumble,” Skrillex, Fred again. & Flowdan
Best Pop Dance Recording
“Baby Don’t Hurt Me,” David Guetta, Anne-Marie & Coi Leray
“Miracle,” Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding
“Padam Padam,” Kylie Minogue
“One In A Million,” Bebe Rexha & David Guetta
“Rush,” Troye Sivan
Best Dance/Electronic Music Album
Playing Robots Into Heaven, James Blake
For That Beautiful Feeling, The Chemical Brothers
Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9, 2022), Fred again..
Kx5, Kx5
Quest For Fire, Skrillex
Best Rock Performance
“Sculptures Of Anything Goes,” Arctic Monkeys
“More Than A Love Song,” Black Pumas
“Not Strong Enough,” boygenius
“Rescued,” Foo Fighters
“Lux Æterna,” Metallica