On Sunday, Nigerian artist David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, lost all three categories in which he was nominated for the 66th Grammy Awards. At the same time, South African singer Tyla won the award for the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammys.
The female rapper beat off competition from Nigerian acts: David Adeleke, aka Davido; Ahmed Ololade, aka Asake; and Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy.
Tyla’s ‘Water’ saw off songs by Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ Asake’s ‘Amapiano,’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys,’ and Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush.’
The song ‘Water’ made the top 10 across 16 countries, including the UK and the US.
The award was presented at the 66th Grammy Award Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
Tyla’s win at the Grammy Awards marks a significant milestone not only for South Africa but also in the history of African music. As the first artist to win the inaugural category, she has solidified her position as a trailblazer and a true musical icon.
Davido’s song ‘Feel’ was nominated for the Best Global Music Performance category; ‘Timeless’ for the Album of the Year category; and ‘Unavailable’ for Best African Music Performance.
He, however, was unable to win any of the nominations.
A few hours before the award ceremony, Davido, in an interview with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly at the Pre-Grammy show, said he would go into a wild celebration if he clinched the Best African Music Performance category award.
Davido stated, “I am just happy that we all get to shine. What if there was no (African) category? So, we should all be happy that we have this category—something to call our own. Whoever wins, it’s okay. If I win, we are celebrating. We go crazy.”
He added that the African Music Category at the premier global music award was long overdue.
