Nigerians haven’t always had success at the Grammy’s.
But there have been some overachievers who have gotten the recognition from the Academy over the years. These selected few are royalties because they got the recognition against all odds.
It wasn’t until last year before we had Nigeria’s first Grammy, but before then some guys have gotten well-deserved recognition. That tradition is going to continue as long as Nigerians continue to make music.
Here is the full list of all the Nigerian artists who have been nominated for at least one award at the Grammys.
1. King Sunny Ade
The 75-year-old juju singer is regarded as one of the first African pop musicians to gain international success and has been called one of the most influential musicians of all time.
He was the first Nigerian ever to get a Grammy nomination, way back in 1999. He has two nominations to date but has never won any.
2. Femi Kuti
A saxophonist himself, Femi Kuti is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Kuti, and over the years he has worked hard to exit the shadow of his iconic father.
He has done well for himself commercially and has received a total of five Grammy nominations, but unfortunately no win.
3. Burna Boy
Burna Boy was first nominated for a Grammy in 2019, and although he lost to Angelique Kidjo, he came back with another album and won in 2021.
With a total of four nominations, Burna Boy has one Grammy award and is one of the only two Nigerians to ever win the prestigious music award.
4. WizKid
While Wizkid’s loss a few days ago was a big blow, Wizkid isn’t a stranger at the Grammys.
Last year, Wizkid became the first Nigerian to ever win a Grammy, and in a primary category no less. He also has a total of four nominations, and one win.
5. Seun Kuti
Another son of the Afrobeat legend, Fela, Seun has also championed Afrobeat and is also involved in activism.
Seun Kuti has been nominated for the Grammy award once but has never won any.
6. Made Kuti
Made is Femi Kuti’s son, and together last year they did an album that got both of them a Grammy nod for “Best Global Music Album.”
7. Tems
The only Nigerian woman to get a Grammy nomination, Tems was nominated alongside Wizkid for “Best Global Music Performance.”
Nominated for her contribution to the major hit, “Essence,” many people think that they should have won that award that night. Maybe she’ll win one day.
Leave a Reply