The Recording Academy, the esteemed organizers of the Grammy Awards, has unequivocally declared Nigerian singer Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, as the foremost figure in the Afrobeats genre and the entire African music landscape. This declaration was made in a statement released on the Grammy Awards’ official website on Saturday, extending congratulations to Burna Boy and fellow nominees in the newly instituted Best African Music Performance category for the 2024 Grammys.
The Grammy Awards highlighted Burna Boy’s substantial achievements, noting that he is currently in his “imperial era,” having collaborated with global icons such as Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber. The statement also underscored Burna Boy’s recent accomplishment of securing his first UK No. 1 album with “the classic hip-hop influenced I Told Them…,” featuring notable artists like 21 Savage, J. Cole, RZA, and GZA.
The Academy emphasized Burna Boy’s prominence in the music industry, stating, “There’s not a bigger star in Afrobeats, or even the whole of Africa itself, than Burna Boy.” The Nigerian artist has earned two consecutive Grammy nods for Best Global Album with “Twice as Tall” and “African Giant,” solidifying his global impact.
Burna Boy’s nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 66th Grammys is for his track ‘City Boys.’ The song faces competition from other notable entries like Davido and Musa Keys’ ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Asake and Olamide’s ‘Amapiano,’ and Tyla’s ‘Water.’
In addition to the Best African Music Performance nomination, Burna Boy has also secured nominations in three other categories: ‘Sitting On Top of the World’ featuring 21 Savage – Best Melodic Rap, ‘I Told Them’ – Best Global Music Album, and ‘Alone’ – Best Global Music Performance.