With the Grammy Awards just around the corner, the 66th edition promises to be a historic event, more especially for African artists.
As the music industry gears up for a week-long celebration in Downtown Los Angeles and West Hollywood, the focus on African talent is more prominent than ever.
With the spotlight more on African artists, here’s what to expect:
A New Category: Best African Music Performance:
The exciting news is that the Grammys 2024 will have a newly announced category, “Best African Music Performance,” for African music. The Best African Music Performance category will be for tracks and singles that recognize recordings with local expressions from across the African continent.
This category includes but is not limited to the Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz genres.
Trevor Noah Returns to Host 2024 GRAMMYs:
For the fourth consecutive year, the charismatic and Emmy-winning comedian, actor, and author, Trevor Noah, is back to host the 2024 GRAMMY Awards. Having previously hosted the GRAMMY Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Trevor Noah’s hosting prowess has become synonymous with the prestigious event.
The Recording Academy, in collaboration with CBS, has once again enlisted Noah to guide viewers through an evening filled with musical brilliance, anticipation, and memorable moments.
African Artists Take The Spotlight in Festivities:
– Friday, 2 February, sees Uncle Waffles, Afrobeat sensation Davido, and Dominican rapper Tokischa headlining the UnitedMasters Grammy Weekend Concert at the Hollywood Palladium. This concert has become a staple in the festivities leading up to the Grammys, drawing massive crowds and celebrity attendees.
– Another one! YouTube Music is hosting “A Celebration of African Music and Culture” on Saturday, 3 February. This event honors the inauguration of the Best African Music Performance category at this year’s Grammys. DJ Maphorisa and DJ Obi will set the vibe at The Highlight Room in Hollywood.
Burna Boy On GRAMMYs Stage:
The highlight of the big night on Sunday, 4 February, will undoubtedly be Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, who is set to make history as the first African artist to perform at the Grammy Awards. Joining an illustrious lineup that includes Travis Scott, Luke Combs, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Rodrigo, Burna Boy’s performance is poised to be a show-stopper at the Crypto Arena.
African Artists in the Grammy Nominations Spotlight:
The Grammy Awards 2024 nominations are a testament to the global impact of African music. Artists such as Davido, Tyla, Musa Keys, Burna Boy, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr have all secured nominations in various categories.
– The competitive category of Best African Music Performance features outstanding tracks like Burna Boy’s ‘City Boy,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Asake’s ‘Amapiano’ featuring Olamide, and Tyla’s ‘Water.’
– Davido finds himself in friendly competition with Burna Boy in multiple categories, including Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Album.
– In a remarkable turn of events, Nigerian Pop star Fireboy DML earned his debut Grammy nomination for his contributions to Jon Baptiste’s ‘World Music Radio,’ which is in contention for Album of the Year.
The diverse range of nominees reflects the rich musical tapestry emanating from the African continent, highlighting the depth and breadth of talent across various genres and styles.
With performances, nominations, and celebrations, the 2024 Grammy Awards offer a platform for African artists to shine brightly on the global stage, cementing their place in the annals of music history.
Don’t forget to check it out, the ceremony will take place Sunday, 4 February 2024.
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