African Artists Shine Bright at the 2025 Grammy Awards

February 17, 2025 1

The Grammy Awards, often dubbed the “biggest night in music,” will once again spotlight a diverse array of global talents on February 2, 2025. This year, African artists are making waves with significant nominations that highlight their immense contributions to the music industry. Here’s a closer look at the African artists nominated and the categories they are representing.

African Nominees Steal The Spotlight

This year’s Grammys sees a remarkable representation of African talent across multiple categories. Tems, a powerhouse in the music scene, is nominated for Best R&B Song with her track “Burning,” which underscores her ability to broaden the perception of Afrobeats within mainstream music categories.

Angélique Kidjo, a legend in her own right, continues her Grammy journey with a nomination for Best Global Music Performance. Her song “Sunlight To My Soul,” featuring the Soweto Gospel Choir, brings a harmonious blend of African rhythms and voices to the global stage. Ghanaian artist Rocky Dawuni earns his fourth Grammy nomination for his stirring reggae single “Rise,” marking significant recognition in the reggae genre.

The newly introduced Best African Music Performance category highlights top African artists, including Yemi Alade with “Tomorrow,” Asake and Wizkid with “M.M.S,” Davido and Lojay’s collaboration with Chris Brown on “Sensational,” and Burna Boy with “Higher.” This category shines a light on Africa’s vibrant and diverse music scene.

Rising Stars and Multiple Nominations

Tems stands out as the most nominated African artist this year, with her nominations spanning Best R&B Song, Best Global Music Album, and Best African Music Performance, marking her as a dominant force in the industry. Alongside Tems, Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey boasts five nominations, breaking boundaries with his cross-genre appeal. His track “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is recognized across several categories, emphasizing his versatility and broad international appeal.

British-Nigerian rapper Jordan Adetunji also makes an impact with his nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance, showcasing the dynamic presence of African artists in diverse musical genres.

The Broader Impact and Future Conversations

The spotlight on African artists at the Grammys this year comes amid ongoing discussions about the Recording Academy’s engagement with African music. The creation of the Afrobeats category in recent years reflects some progress in recognizing the genre’s global influence. However, many continue to call for a more nuanced understanding of the myriad of musical styles emerging from the continent.

The African music scene cannot simply be encapsulated in one or two categories. It comprises a broad spectrum of sounds and styles that deserve their own recognition. As the Grammys approach, one pressing question remains: when will African artists be celebrated at the same level as their Western counterparts across broader categories?

Viewing the Event

Fans and supporters can tune in to the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 2, which promises an evening of outstanding performances and celebrations of musical excellence. The event will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+, allowing audiences worldwide to join in the festivities and cheer on their favorite African nominees.

The 2025 Grammys serve as a pivotal moment to celebrate African music’s growing presence on the world stage, encouraging greater visibility and appreciation for the continent’s rich and varied artistic contributions.