Nigeria’s music industry is growing domestically and internationally, and the Awards Organizers are taking note.
One of the awards is the GRAMMYs, an award that seems to be the pinnacle for most musicians. The 66th edition took place few days ago, and we want to take you down memory lane amid the drama that followed the latest handing out of awards.
Let’s take a relaxed yet breathtaking glance at a few Nigerian musicians who have won prestigious award.
Adu Sade
The first Nigerian to receive a Grammy Award, Sade Adu is well-known for her timeless hits and soulful vocals. With four Grammys under her belt, she won Best New Artist in 1986 and Best R&B Performance for songs like “Soldier of Love” and “No Ordinary Love.”
Adeola Samuel
Henry Olusegun Seal, whose real name is Adeola Samuel, is a British-Nigerian singer-songwriter who has had several successful singles. In addition to winning three Grammy Awards in 1996 for his popular song “Kiss from a Rose,” he also won the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy, real name Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, gained notoriety in 2020 when his album “Twice as Tall” won the Grammy for Best World Music Album, cementing his place as the world’s leading Afrobeat artist.
Sikiru Adepoju,
Sikiru Adepoju, a Grammy Award-winning master percussionist and recording artist, brought Nigeria’s rich musical legacy to a global audience through his work on the “Global Drum Project,” which was launched in 2008.
Kelvin Olusola
Nigerian-American singer Kevin Olusola won three Grammy awards while he was a member of the singing group Pentatonix. His performances of Daft Punk songs, including “Jolene,” which included Dolly Parton, won Best Instrumental Arrangement and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Wizkid
The legendary singer and composer Wizkid, whose actual name is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, added another honor to his remarkable career in 2021 when he won his first Grammy for Best Music Video for his song “Brown Skin Girl” with Beyoncé.
Tems
Rising singer Tems reached new heights when she won the 2023 Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, largely due to her inclusion on Future’s popular song “Wait for U.” Her captivating voice never fails to enthrall audiences around.
Chamillionaire / Seriki, Hakim Temidayo
This American-Nigerian rapper took home a Grammy in 2007 for the song “Ridin,” which was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. He was nominated four times in 2007 but only managed to win one Grammy for his exceptional contribution to the rap genre.
Erivo Cynthia
This formidable British-Nigerian actress has won a Grammy in addition to her career as an actress. Her remarkable performance in “The Color Purple” won her a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2017. Erivo’s skill is unmatched, as seen by her success in theater and music. She even won a Tony Award for her performance in “The Color Purple.”
Nkiru Jenn
Brit-Nigerian director Jenn Nkiru has given Nigeria’s Grammy victories a new perspective. She co-directed the music video for the Grammy-winning project “Brown Skin Girl.” Nkiru’s innovative approach has brought her praise in the music business, as seen by her partnerships with Jay-Z and Beyoncé.