Grammy Awards and the standards debate in Africa
The Grammy Awards are set to debut the "Best African Performance" category, marking a pivotal moment in the longstanding struggle for recognition of African talent on the global stage.
Africans have steadily ascended to international prominence, headlining global stages and dominating global music charts. Those who have won the coveted Grammy award have been hailed as standard-bearers in their respective countries.
This has cast a shadow over the achievements of those who have been recognised by Pan-African music awards and other global awards, simply because they haven't secured a Grammy.
Ghana's Sarkodie, one of Africa's most celebrated rappers, has won international awards like the BET and MOBO. Yet, these accomplishments have been unfairly diminished by critics in his homeland, because a Grammy award eludes him.
Nigerian Afrobeats artist, Davido, has been a dominant force in African music over the past decade. Despite his significant contributions, debates about his status as one of Africa's greatest music exports persist, often hinging on his lack of a Grammy award.
However, this year marks a turning point for Davido. He has earned his first-ever nomination at the Grammy Awards, a milestone that could potentially shift the debate surrounding his legacy.
Beninese-French artist Angélique Kidjo stands as a trailblazer, having clinched five Grammy Awards in various categories.
Burna Boy from Nigeria secured the 'Best World Music Album' at the 2021 Grammy Awards, marking a significant win for African music.
South African artist Tyla, a first-time Grammy nominee, will hope to join Black Coffee, Miriam Makeba and others as the South Africans to have secured the Grammy nod. Her song "Water" has gained popularity on platforms like Spotify, boasting over a thousand monthly listeners.
The introduction of the "Best African Performance" category in 2024 signals a departure from the traditional practice where African artists competed with musicians from other continents in global music categories or as featured artists.
Wizkid and Tems from Nigeria have tasted Grammy success, however, their wins came as featured artists on Western projects. The new category opens doors for these artists to be recognised on their merit.
