The newly established Best African Music Performance category at the prestigious global music profile award has taken center stage in Nigerian and African entertainment circles as the 66th Grammy Award Ceremony approaches

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If Tyla from South Africa hadn’t added “Water,” the maiden category would have been exclusively composed of Nigerian contestants.

 

In certain aspects, Ayra Starr’s Grammy nomination is exceptional: “Rush” received a nomination in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category even though it wasn’t released within the eligibility period—a very uncommon occurrence in the Grammy Awards.

At the age of 21, Ayra Starr also made history by becoming the / Nigerian to receive a Grammy nomination.

Some music enthusiasts predict that a female winner will emerge in the newly created Best African Music Performance category, with the odds favoring Ayra Starr and Tyla. The Grammys are known for surprises, especially in new or main categories.

Rush’s overall vocal performance and delivery, along with the depth of the lyrics, will help the song stand a better chance of winning Best African Music Performance.

Even with its funky beats, “Rush” has excellent lyrical content. The message of the song is overcoming doubters and resistance to succeed.

Ayra Starr revealed in a recent interview that she had prepared her Grammy acceptance speech and outfit beforehand.

Olamide and Amapiano – Asake

Out of the five songs nominated in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, “Amapiano” is the only one that is primarily sung in Yoruba, an African language.

Olamide, the featured artist, was also the first rapper from Africa to receive a Grammy nomination.

In the song, the performers trade sly jabs in Yoruba and Pidgin. Asake delivers his flows over masterfully composed Amapiano progressions that are mixed with orchestral symphonies and other hip-hop elements. Like frosting on a cake, Olamide’s silky rap seamlessly blends in to create an intriguing melody.

Given the rise of the Amapiano genre and the popularity of the artist Asake, some critics believe the song will win the Grammy for Best African Music Performance.

Perhaps Asake, the main man, will meet history tonight.

Burna Boy of City Boys

In the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, Burna Boy is the only nominee who is not a first-time recipient.

One of his four nominations for the 66th Grammy Awards is “City Boys.” The others are “Alone” (best global music performance), “I Told Them” (best global music album), and “Sittin’ On Top of the World” (best melodic rap) featuring 21 Savage.

In five years (2019–2023), Burna Boy is the first African artist to receive a Grammy nomination.

Given Burna Boy’s Grammy history, the song “City Boys” continues to be the front-runner in the Best African Music Performance category due to its rich vocal delivery and lyrics.

In addition, Burna Boy’s performance at the 66th Grammy Awards has been confirmed. The Grammys are used to performing artists winning at least one of the categories they are nominated in, even though he will be performing at the main event, which takes place at the Crypto.com Arena (also known as the Staples Center), rather than the pre-show at the Peacock Theatre, where the Best African Music Performance category would be presented.

Musa Keys and Davido, unavailable

One of the favorites to take home the first-ever Best African Music Performance Grammy is “Unavailable.” Past winners in the world/global music scene have benefited from its lyrical depth and Zulu-themed video, which made it the only nominated song with African-styled visuals.

Davido is best-positioned to win his first Grammy even though he is also nominated in two other categories: “Unavailable” for Best Global Music Performance and “Timeless” for Best Global Music Album.

The 66th Grammy Awards’ Best African Music Performance winner, “Unavailable,” by Davido featuring Musa Keys, was predicted by American prediction website Early4Cast.

Water – Tyla

Some might contend that the Afrobeats beat and Amapiano long drums are the only aspects of South African singer Tyla’s song “Water” that are African. Nonetheless, the song easily conforms to the guidelines of the recently established Grammy Award category for Best African Music Performance.

The Recording Academy states that African music, including Afrobeats, Afro-pop, Amapiano, High Life, Fuji, and other genres, is eligible for consideration in the Grammy “Best African Music Performance” category.

Though the song is undoubtedly the most well-known of the five nominees in the category, popularity alone will not bring home a Grammy; instead, quality music—rather than sales and charts—will be honored.

Though it is a song about sexual desires, “Water” is a great melody and would compete with the other nominated songs based on that rather than its widespread appeal in the United States.

The observation by some music enthusiasts that Grammy voters tend to favor South African nominees over other Africans is one factor that could work in Tyla’s favor against her fellow contenders.

An African will create history tonight, whatever happens, and this will pave the way for more African Grammy winners.