Who should count as African at the Grammy Awards?

The Grammy Awards is a prestigious event that honors musicians from around the world, and this year, there is a special focus on African music with the Best African Music Performance category. This category was introduced just last year, and it has already sparked some debate. The first winner of this award was South African artist Tyla, who took home the trophy for her hit song Water, which beautifully blends the South African music styles of amapiano and Afropop. The introduction of this category was celebrated by many in the music industry, especially among African artists, as it provided a platform to showcase their talent on a global stage. However, the nominations for this year's award have raised eyebrows, particularly with the inclusion of American R&B star Chris Brown. Brown has been nominated for his popular single Sensational, which features elements of Afrobeats and includes guest vocals from Nigerian artists Davido and Lojay. This has led to a significant discussion about whether non-African artists should be included in a category that is meant to highlight African talent. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. addressed this issue, stating, 'Music is about inclusivity. We don't want to fence people out of genres. ' He emphasized that creativity should not be limited by geographical boundaries, and that the blending of different musical styles is a natural and positive development in the music industry. Mason also shared a humorous insight from Nigeria, where there is a saying that Chris Brown is considered Nigerian due to his frequent appearances in Nigerian songs and music videos. This reflects the deep connection that many American artists have with African music, particularly in the case of Afrobeats, which has gained immense popularity in recent years. The Grammy CEO pointed out that similar cross-cultural collaborations have been seen with other music genres, such as Latin music and K-Pop, and that it is essential to celebrate all forms of music, regardless of their origins. Another point of contention this year is the overwhelming presence of Afrobeats in the nominations. Afrobeats, which has its roots in Nigeria and Ghana, has become a dominant force in the music industry, leading some to feel that the Grammys are overly focused on this genre at the expense of other African music styles. Ayomide Tayo, a Nigerian music journalist, expressed his understanding of Afrobeats' dominance, stating, 'I don't think Afrobeats is better. It's just that Afrobeats has had over three decades of exposure. ' He explained that the genre has consistently produced great music and superstars, which has attracted global attention. Additionally, the Nigerian diaspora in countries like England and North America has played a crucial role in popularizing Afrobeats, helping it to explode in popularity in Europe and the US. While some music professionals based in Africa believe that other genres will eventually gain recognition, they acknowledge that this year may be particularly favorable for Afrobeats. The Best African Music Performance category was created to honor Africa's growing influence on the global music scene. When Tyla won last year, she not only beat well-known artists like Davido and Burna Boy but also established herself as a significant figure in international music. Since her victory, Tyla has made appearances at high-profile events like the Met Gala and has been featured in leading fashion magazines, demonstrating the impact that winning a Grammy can have on an artist's career. This year, the nominations have shifted predominantly towards Nigerian artists, with names like Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, and Tems making the list. Chris Brown's nomination, which includes contributions from Nigerian artists, has further fueled discussions about the representation of African talent at the Grammys. Tayo noted that Chris Brown has been invested in Afrobeats and African music for a long time, having traveled to Nigeria to collaborate with artists like Davido and Wizkid. His recent concerts in Johannesburg, which sold out at a massive stadium, showcased his popularity and connection to African music. African musicians have been winning Grammys long before the Best African Music Performance category was established. The first African artist to win a Grammy was Mariam Makeba from South Africa, who won the Best Folk Recording award in 1966 for her collaboration with Harry Belafonte. Since then, African artists have increasingly been recognized, especially after the introduction of the Best World Music Album category in 1992. This category has evolved over the years, and many notable African musicians, such as Angélique Kidjo and Youssou N'Dour, have received accolades. The hope is that in the future, more categories will be created to reflect the diverse range of music styles emerging from Africa, allowing for a more comprehensive representation of the continent's rich musical heritage.