Is the Grammy’s African Music Category a Validation Trap for Afrobeats?
Afrobeats fans are once again grappling with disappointment after Tyla secured the Best African Music Performance Grammy, besting Nigerian stars Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr. This outcome reignites a critical question: should Afrobeats rely on external validation from awards like the Grammys, or forge its own path to recognition?
The Rise of Afrobeats and the Grammy’s Response
By the late 2010s, Nigerian music began gaining international traction, particularly in the US. Artists like Wizkid, CKay, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tems captured the attention of industry players and critics, leading to increased interest from major labels and award shows. This momentum prompted the Grammys to acknowledge African music, initially through the ‘World Music’ category, where Angelique Kidjo dominated.
As Afrobeats grew in prominence, calls for greater recognition within the Grammys intensified. However, Burna Boy’s loss to Kidjo in 2020 and subsequent wins by Kidjo fueled frustration. The category was then renamed ‘Global Music’, with Burna Boy eventually winning in 2021. Despite this, the feeling persisted that Afrobeats albums with global impact were consistently overlooked.
The Creation of the “Best African Music Performance” Category
Responding to criticism, the Grammys introduced the “Best African Music Performance” category in 2024, aiming to “amplify and expand the reach of African music” and “celebrate the distinct, unique sounds of the continent.” The inaugural nominations heavily featured Afrobeats, but Tyla, a South African artist, ultimately claimed the prize with “Water,” sparking renewed debate.
Tyla’s Wins: A Pattern Emerges
Tyla continued her success in 2026, winning again with “Push 2 Start,” defeating Davido, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr. This outcome highlights a pattern: Tyla’s songs achieved significant commercial success in the US, a key factor given the Grammy voting base is largely located there. “Push 2 Start” surpassed 500,000 units sold in the US and charted on the Billboard Hot 100, unlike its fellow nominees.
What Does This Mean for Afrobeats Artists?
Joey Akan, founder of Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, suggests Tyla’s win was “deserved,” noting that “Push 2 Start” resonated globally. However, he also points out that the system isn’t designed to fully capture the essence of Afrobeats. The category, as it stands, seems to reward songs with strong US chart performance.
The Debate: One Category for a Continent?
Cultural commentators argue that compressing the diverse musical landscape of 54 African countries into a single Grammy category is problematic. Unlike other regions, Africa lacks genre-specific separations, potentially incentivizing imitation over authenticity. Some suggest the category should be scrapped or subdivided to better reflect the continent’s musical richness.
Olele Salvador, a Ghanaian pop culture journalist, observed a sense of entitlement among some Nigerian fans, expressing disappointment when non-Nigerian artists win. This highlights a potential “Main Character syndrome,” where Nigeria views itself as the central force in African music and perceives the success of others as a threat.
The Future of Afrobeats and Awards
The situation compels Afrobeats to consider its relationship with external validation. As Akan argues, relentlessly pursuing recognition from institutions like the Grammys can be a “trap.” The focus should shift towards building strong internal institutions and defining success on its own terms.
FAQ
Q: Why does Tyla keep winning this award?
A: Tyla’s songs have demonstrated significant commercial success in the US market, which heavily influences Grammy voting.
Q: Is the Grammy’s African Music category fair?
A: There is debate about whether a single category adequately represents the diversity of African music.
Q: Should Afrobeats artists stop seeking Grammy recognition?
A: Some argue that Afrobeats should focus on building its own institutions and defining success independently.
Q: What is the significance of US chart performance?
A: The Grammy voting base is largely located in the US, making chart performance in that market a significant factor.
Pro Tip: For Afrobeats artists, focusing on building a strong global fanbase and creating impactful music should be the primary goal, rather than solely chasing awards.
What are your thoughts on the Grammy’s African Music category? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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