Nigeria’s Afrobeats sensations, David Adeleke (Davido) and Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) experienced a night of Grammy disappointment as they failed to secure wins in their nominated categories at the 66th Grammy Awards.
Davido, who was nominated in three categories—Best Global Music Performance, Best Global Music Album, and Best African Music Performance—lost out on all the categories.
This is the first time the ‘Timeless’ crooner got nominated for a Grammy.
Similarly, Burna Boy, who had four nominations across various categories, faced a similar fate, missing out on every nomination.
In the Best Global Music Performance category, South Africa’s Tyla emerged victorious with her hit song ‘Water’, defeating the lineup that included Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, and Ayra Starr.
Tyla’s win marked her first Grammy Award.
In an interview with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly, Davido said that the recognition of African music at the Grammy Awards was long overdue.
“I feel good being a nominee for the first time and getting three nominations. But the Best African Music Performance category feels long overdue for African music to be celebrated.
“I’m talking about generations way before mine, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade… Sunny Ade has been nominated, I believe, but now there is an African category. If there was an African category years ago, a lot of people would have had the opportunity to be recognized by the Grammy. Finally, at least it is happening now,” Davido stated.
Burna Boy’s four nominations, which included Best Global Music Album, Best African Music Performance, Best Melodic Rap Performance, and Best Global Music Performance, all ended without a win.
In the Best Global Music Album category, Burna Boy’s album ‘I Told Them’ faced defeat against world fusion band Shakti’s ‘This Moment’.
Other Nigerian artistes who were nominated, including Olamide, Ayra Starr, and Asake, all failed to secure Grammy wins.
