These Grammy-Award-Winning Nigerian Artists Have Accolades for Days
The GRAMMY Awards has embraced international music more in recent years. Here are the Nigerian artists who have won the prestigious award!
By S.Y.Dec. 15 2023, Published 4:41 p.m. ET
The global music scene has seen a significant surge in recent years, and thanks to the viral vehicle that is social media, talented artists from all over the world have caught the attention of the Recording Academy.
This is especially true for Nigerian musicians, who have continued to break boundaries and redefine the global music landscape with their innovative sounds and cultural richness.
They have not only etched their names into musical history as talents to be recognized and revered but also garnered the respect of some of the world's megastars.
Artists like Davido, Asake, Olamide, Mohbad, and Ayra Starr have all helped to amplify the richness of Nigeria's musical heritage and fostered a well-rounded appreciation for music from other countries. Among them are a few artists who have secured a GRAMMY.
Here are some Nigerian singers who have been recognized at the prestigious ceremony.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy performs at London Stadium in London, England.
When it comes to international superstars who are globally repping their countries, Burna Boy is one of the top names that comes to mind.
The singer, who is also known in Nigeria as the "African Giant" has amassed a global fan base outside of Nigeria thanks to his unique sound, solid team, and attention to detail. In 2021, his album Twice as Tall won in the category for Best World Music Album at the GRAMMY Awards.
Chamillionaire
Many people do not know this, but Chamillionaire is of Nigerian descent.
The rapper, who was known in the early 2000s for his smash hit "Ridin," won a GRAMMY during the 49th installment of the show. The Washington, D.C.-born rapper, whose real name is Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, now leads a more quiet life outside of the prying eyes of the media and is involved in several business tech ventures.
Sade
Sade at the Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago, Illinois.
Sade, the first Nigerian-born artist to snag a Grammy, made history when her fifth studio album, Lovers Rock, earned her a GRAMMY nod in 2002.
On the album, the British-Nigerian singer, born Helen Folasade Adu, tapped into elements of jazz, R&B, and reggae, proving that Sade is a timeless vocal powerhouse with supreme talent.
Wizkid
Wizkid performs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
At the forefront of Nigeria's musical triumphs is the global phenomenon known as Afrobeats. The genre has been popularized by contemporary artists like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
Wizkid is another Nigerian mega superstar who has received a total of four nominations, though he has only won once.
His feature on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl" from her The Lion King: The Gift album won Best Music Video in 2021. He also received critical acclaim for his smash hit "Essence," which features Tems.
Tems
Tems performs on stage during the Honeyland Festival at Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Texas.
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, became a mainstream artist after her song, "Essence," broke records and catapulted her into the spotlight.
The "Free Mind" singer is known for her soulful singing voice — so much so, that Tems received a GRAMMY nod for her feature on Future's "Wait 4 U" with Drake.
The song won Best Melodic Rap Performance. Thanks to Tems's melodic voice and Future's trap influence, the single was dubbed a smash hit.
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