Grammy: The Who’s And What’s That Contributed To The Nigerian Music Industry Global Recognition

We won Grammy!! Yes! 14th of March 2021 was a dream come true for Nigeria’s Music Industry and Nigerians at large. Grammy is an award presented by the Recording Academy to basically recognize achievement in the Music Industry. In a simpler tone, the Grammy is the biggest, and most recognized Award for the Music Industry in the world. That is to say every single artist pray and hope to at least get nominated for the Grammy’s one year. A Nigerian Afrobeat Artist “9ice” mentioned in a line ” Don’t doubt me, I go bring home Grammy”– Street Credibility. That’s to explain the extent to which every artist would love to own a Grammy.

Fela Anikulapo’s Contribution.

Born into a prominent Yoruba family. Baba was known for his talent, and his involvement in African Politics. It won’t be proper not to mention impact and importance of Fela’s achievement to the global musical platform. He was the founder of Afrobeat Genre. Did you know that Queen Beyonce and her band paid tribute to the legendary by performing a rendition of the Afrobeat legend’s classic 1976 track, ‘Zombie.’ That’s how big he has and still is influencing the Music Industry even after his death.

2face, Dbanj, And Psquare

Dbanj has won various Awards including BET, MTV, EMA, etc. He is best known internationally for his 2012 hit “Oliver Twist” evergreen hit, I must say. Along with his great producer Don Jazzy. Oliver Twist topped the African charts in 2011 and was a top 10 hit in the UK singles chart in 2012 reaching No. 2 on the UK R&B chart. 

2face is one of the most celebrated and successful Afro pop artists in Africa. 2Baba is the first winner of MTV Europe, Best African Act Award in 2015. He had his international recognition in 2006 on his hit “African Queen”. He is considered Africa’s most bankable artist and is the only non-Liberian to land in the Liberian music society for his contributions to African music.

Psquare music was basically in pidgin English with mixture of their native Igbo Language. By their fourth album, they had conquered Nigeria and were well known all over West Africa. They gained international partnerships – including a record deal with Akon’s ‘Konvict music‘, and a distribution deal with Universal Music’s South African branch – recorded chart topping hits with artists like TI, & Rick Ross, performed alongside powerhouses like Usher. I miss the duo so much. Let us know if you do too in the comment section. ☺

We can’t discuss the whole journey in just one article because there’s a lot to talk about honestly, drop your gist and opinions on the comment section guys. Moving on…

Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, And Yemi Alade

Yemi Alade AKA Mama Africa. Her hit song ‘Johnny’ made her the first African female Afropop artist to smash 56 million views on YouTube. Her debut album sold over 100,000 units and was followed by 2016’s ‘Mama Africa’ which charted in Germany, Malaysia and France, as well as being a major hit across Africa.

Tiwa Savage

Undeniably the Afrobeat Queen who  in November 2018, became the first woman to win the ‘Best African Act’ at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards. She has toured the world as a vocalist for renowned artists like Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan or Spice Girls. In 2019 she had an exclusive global recording agreement with the Universal Music Group.

Davido

Absolutely one of those putting the Nigeria’s Music Industry on the international map. Born in riches and very hardworking at the same time. Over 20 international collaborations with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Akon, Popcaan, Meek Mill, etc.

Wizkid

Starboy was the first African Artist to own 7 Billboard Nominations in 2017. Wizkid is the first African to not only perform but also sell out London’s most iconic venue, Royal Albert Hall. He is also the first Afro-pop artiste to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records. This is as a result of his contribution to Drake’s smash hit, ‘One Dance’, which topped several charts worldwide. Finally, his first ever Grammy Award, for the Best Music Video’ for his role in ‘Brown Skin Girl’, Beyonce’s 2019 hit song.

Burna Boy

2021, definitely the Outsider’s Year! Cheeiiiiii 😂 Burna Boy won the most anticipated Grammy award in the ‘Best Global Album’ category for his ‘TWICE AS TALL’ album. Nominated for the second consecutive time. Not to forget that he also won the Best International Act Category at the 2020 BET.

Omitted a lot of accomplishments from these amazing Artist, they’ve done more than I mentioned but we’ll continue that some other day. I love them, love their work, love how they are influencing other upcoming stars and can’t wait to see them do more. I am fan of all! Let me how you feel in the comment section. Cheers!!