African Artists Shine in 66th Grammy Nominations with Burna Boy, Davido Ayra Starr Leading the Pack

The Recording Academy has unveiled the nominees for the upcoming 66th Grammys, showcasing the diversity and talent of African artists set to be honored on February 5, 2024. Among the stars receiving recognition are Nigeria’s Burna Boy and Ayra Starr, as well as South Africa’s Tyla.

The Grammys, renowned for celebrating “artistic achievement, technical proficiency, and overall excellence in the recording industry,” have acknowledged Burna Boy with four nominations. His nods include Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance, and Best African Music Performance. Fellow Nigerian artist Davido also secured three nominations.

In a move towards fairness and transparency, the Recording Academy introduced the Best African Performance category, where Asake, Olamide, Ayra Starr, and Tyla earned their first nominations. This category is part of a series of updates aimed at enhancing the awards process.

Last February, South African artists Nomcebo Zikode, Zakes Bantwini, and Wouter Kellerman triumphed in the Best Global Music Performance category at the 65th Grammys. Nigerian singer Tems also clinched her first Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to Future’s ‘Wait for U’ featuring Drake.

Here is the list of African nominees:

Best African Music Performance

• ‘Amapiano’ by Asake & Olamide
• ‘City Boys’ by Burna Boy
• ‘Unavailable’ by Davido ft. Musa Keys
• ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr
• ‘Water’ by Tyla

Best Melodic Rap Performance

• ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ by Burna Boy ft. 21 Savage
• ‘Attention’ by Doja Cat
• ‘Spin Bout U’ by Drake & 21 Savage
• ‘All My Life’ by Lil Durk Featuring J. Cole
• ‘Low’ by SZA

Best Global Music Performance

• ‘Shadow Forces’ by Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily
• ‘Alone’ by Burna Boy
• ‘FEEL’ by Davido
• ‘Milagro Y Disastre’ by Silvana Estrada
• ‘Abundance In Millets’ by Falu & Gaurav Shah ft. PM Narendra Modi)
• ‘Pashto’ by Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia
• ‘Todo Colores’ by Ibrahim Maalouf ft. Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas

Best Global Music Album

• ‘Epifanías’ by Susana Baca
• ‘History’ by Bokanté
• ‘I Told Them…’ by Burna Boy
• ‘Timeless’ by Davido
• ‘This Moment’ by Shakti

The 66th Grammys promise to be a celebration of international musical excellence, with African artists taking center stage.