The Recording Academy has unveiled its nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards, and African talent is shining brighter than ever before. With a significant presence across multiple categories, this year marks a milestone in the continent’s musical evolution and its growing influence on the global stage.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Leading the African contingent is Nigerian powerhouse Tems with an impressive triple nomination. She’s up for the coveted Best R&B Song for “Burning”, alongside nods in the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Album categories. This achievement follows her groundbreaking collaborations with Drake on “Wait For U” and Future, solidifying her position as a global music force.
The Best African Music Performance category showcases the continent’s rich musical diversity. Nominees include:
- Asake and Wizkid’s chart-topping “MMS”
- Burna Boy’s energetic “Higher”
- Yemi Alade’s breakthrough solo entry “Tomorrow”
- Chris Brown’s “Sensational”, featuring Davido and rising star Lojay
In the Global Music arena, Benin’s cultural ambassador and five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo continues her remarkable Grammy journey with a powerful collaboration alongside South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir. Their song “Sunlight to My Soul” beautifully merges traditional African harmonies with contemporary global sounds. Meanwhile, Ghana’s Rocky Dawuni strengthens West Africa’s presence with his soul-stirring “Rise”, which blends African rhythms with reggae influences.
The nomination of Rema’s “HEIS” in the Best Global Music Album category further demonstrates the evolution of Afrobeats on the international stage. His groundbreaking success with “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez has paved the way for this recognition.
The ceremony, scheduled for February 2, 2025, at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, follows Tyla’s historic win at the 66th Grammy Awards, where her viral sensation “Water” claimed the inaugural Best African Music Performance award, setting a new precedent for African artists at the Grammys.
This year’s nominations reflect not only the growing global influence of African music but also its ability to transcend cultural boundaries. The nominees represent a perfect blend of traditional African sounds with contemporary global genres, showcasing the versatility and innovation of African artists. The strong showing of African talent at the 2025 Grammy Awards underscores the continent’s position as a major force in shaping the future of global music.
The recognition of these artists by the Recording Academy signifies a shifting paradigm in the music industry, acknowledging Africa’s rich musical heritage and its contemporary innovations. As these artists continue to push boundaries and break barriers, their nominations serve as inspiration for the next generation of African musicians aspiring to make their mark on the world.
