Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sunny Green Itodo
Published on 2024-02-04 19:53:15
Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, also known as Davido, has expressed his belief that the creation of an African music category at the Grammy Awards is long overdue. The 66th edition of the prestigious music awards introduced a new category, Best African Music Performance, with Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Ayra Starr, Olamide, and South Africa’s Tyla and Musa Keys being the inaugural nominees.
In an interview with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly at the Pre-Grammy show, Davido emphasized the significance of recognizing African music on a global platform. He stated, “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.”
Davido went on to highlight the missed opportunities for African artists to be recognized by the Grammy Awards in the past, emphasizing that the establishment of an African music category is a significant step in the right direction. He expressed his satisfaction in seeing the recognition finally coming to fruition, stating, “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.”
The introduction of the Best African Music Performance category is a historic moment for the African music industry, signaling a shift towards greater inclusivity and acknowledgment of the talent and influence emanating from the continent. The award will be presented at the Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Davido’s remarks underscore the importance of providing a platform for African artists to showcase their musical prowess and share their cultural heritage on a global stage. The acknowledgement of African music at the Grammy Awards not only validates the rich musical traditions of the continent but also opens doors for greater visibility and opportunities for African artists to reach a broader audience.
As the music industry continues to evolve and embrace diverse sounds and voices, the establishment of the Best African Music Performance category represents a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of African artists to the global music landscape. With an increasing spotlight on African music, the Grammy Awards’ acknowledgment of the continent’s musical talent serves as a testament to the growing influence and appeal of African artists worldwide.
In conclusion, Davido’s perspective on the introduction of an African music category at the Grammy Awards reflects the sentiments of many in the African music industry. The inclusion of the Best African Music Performance award is a pivotal moment that signifies the long-overdue recognition of African music on a global platform. As the inaugural nominees await the presentation of the award, the spotlight on African music at the Grammy Awards marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity and representation within the global music industry.
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