At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Nigerian music stars, including Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Olamide, and Asake, suffered a major setback as they lost in all their nominated categories. This unexpected turn of events ignited a wave of disappointment and frustration among fans and the Nigerian music community.
The loss triggered an outpouring of dismay on social media platforms, with fans expressing their sadness over the defeat of their beloved artists. The Best African Music Performance category saw South Africa’s Tyla emerging victorious with her song, “Water.” Furthermore, in the highly anticipated Best Global Music Album category, Shakti’s “This Moment” claimed the coveted award, leaving Davido and Burna Boy trailing behind.
The hashtag #GrammySnubNaija went viral, with fans using platforms like X formerly Twitter to vent their frustration, dismay, and disbelief. Users lamented the missed opportunity for Nigerian music to gain international recognition, with many highlighting the global impact of Nigerian music and the influence of its artists, urging continued support and recognition.
Celebrities also weighed in, offering love and respect to the stars, emphasizing their hard work and dedication, and reiterating the worldwide influence of Nigerian music. Despite the setback, some users emphasized the need to focus on the broader impact of Nigerian music on a global scale, highlighting the doors that Nigerian artists have opened for Afrobeats worldwide and the ongoing momentum of the movement.
Notably, Burna Boy received four nominations this year, while Davido received his first nominations, yet both failed to secure any awards. Similarly, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr also fell short in their respective categories. This sobering outcome reflects the disappointment felt across the Nigerian music scene, despite the international recognition garnered by its artists.
Ultimately, while the Grammy disappointment reverberates across the Nigerian music community, the global impact and continued influence of Nigerian artists on the world stage remain undeniable.
