Six Nigerian musicians have earned prestigious Grammy nominations this year, competing in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category.
This development has sparked excitement across Nigeria and the global music scene, as the country’s vibrant Afrobeats genre gains further recognition on the world stage.
Among the nominees is Nigerian superstar Davido, who continues to break barriers for African music globally.
With four Grammy nominations to his name, Davido’s latest nod comes from his feature on Chris Brown’s song Sensational, also featuring Nigerian artist Lojay.
“This is a huge win for Nigerian music,” Davido stated on social media, expressing his gratitude for the recognition and support of his fans.
Other nominees include Yemi Alade, who is celebrated for her song Tomorrow, and Wizkid, who is nominated for MMS, his collaboration with Asake.
Afrobeats fans were thrilled to see Burna Boy back in the Grammy race with his track Higher, while Tems secured a nomination for her hit song Love Me Jeje, marking another step in her impressive international career.
This is not the first time Nigerian artists have made Grammy history.
From Burna Boy’s Best Global Music Album win to Wizkid and Tems’ wins in recent years, the international music scene has become increasingly receptive to Nigerian and African sounds.
The new Best African Music Performance category, introduced in 2025, is a recognition of the global impact of African music.
The Grammy Academy stated that this category celebrates the unique contributions of African artists to the global music industry.
“The world is finally recognizing African music as a genre on its own,” music critic Kola Awoniyi commented.
“This is a golden age for Nigerian artists. They’re not just representing Africa; they’re taking African music to the top of global charts.”
In addition to the Nigerian nominees, the 2025 Grammy Awards also announced record-breaking nominations for international artists.
Beyoncé leads the pack with 11 nominations, surpassing her husband Jay-Z and setting a new record for the most Grammy nominations in history.
With major names like Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift also on the list, competition is fierce for this year’s Grammy Awards.
Notable absentees include Ayra Starr and Tyla, who both missed out on nominations despite making waves in the 2024 awards.
Beyoncé’s nomination for Texas Hold ‘Em in the Record of the Year category places her in direct competition with songs by The Beatles and Kendrick Lamar.
Her album Cowboy Carter is also a top contender for Album of the Year, with contenders including André 3000’s New Blue Sun and Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft.
The Grammy nominations in several other categories showcased diverse talent from pop to electronic music.
In the Best Pop Solo Performance category, Beyoncé’s Bodyguard will compete against songs like Billie Eilish’s Birds of a Feather and Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe!.
Similarly, us., a track by Gracie Abrams featuring Taylor Swift, is up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Die With a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
These Grammy Awards are particularly important for Nigerian artists, as they showcase not only individual talent but also the collective strength of African music in the international arena.
Afrobeats, a genre that combines African rhythms with pop and hip-hop influences, has grown from local music in Nigeria to a global sensation.
The international success of Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido has helped the genre gain popularity worldwide, influencing artists from Drake to Beyoncé.
As Nigerian music gains momentum, it continues to attract a growing number of listeners worldwide.
Many fans and experts hope that this year’s Grammy nominations will set a new benchmark, opening doors for more African music genres to enter the global spotlight.
The 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2.
Fans from Nigeria and across Africa are eagerly anticipating the event, with hopes that their favorites will bring home Grammy trophies.
