Just one week ago, the entire Nigerian populace was behind the African Giant, Burna Boy. He was expected to bring home the Grammy award for the ‘Best World Album‘. Unfortunately, that wasn’t going to be the case.
Burna lost in that category after another African, Angelique Kidjo who hails from Benin took home the award. This was the third time Kidjo would emerge victorious in the category.
After several months of praying and campaigning for Burna on social media, fans of the African Giant were left devastated by the announcement that was made on Sunday, January 26 at the 62nd edition of the award ceremony.
Despite his loss, Nigerians applauded the workmanship, energy and professionalism shown by the star in recent years that led to his nomination.
Everyone wanted Burna Boy to win the award, especially Nigerians and a vast majority of black descents in Western nations, however, that wouldn’t be the case. He has now joined the elongating list of Nigerian artistes who have been nominated for a Grammy award. Others include- Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti and King Sunny Ade. Other Nigerian Grammy nominees include Babatunde Olatunji, Wizkid, Timaya and Kah Lo.
The only Nigerian who has emerged victorious is Sikiru Adepoju.
Indeed, it is fascinating that the work of a mainstream Afrobeat artiste received recognition from the biggest music body in the world, Grammy. Apparently, the world is watching, hence, Nigerian artistes need to continue from where they left off in the past decade.
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Will Burna Boy receive another shot at the Grammy?
This is a tedious question to answer. No one can predict the future, nonetheless, it is the task of everyone to create something sublime of themselves. Burna Boy’s Grammy nomination is a reflection of what he can achieve, hence, there is still an opportunity for the self-acclaimed African Giant to bring home the award.
2019 was a pivotal year in the Nigerian music industry, the scene experienced an exhilarating boom both locally and internationally. Wizkid, Davido and Burna all had an international collaboration that exceeded the expectation of the average music lover in the country.
Should the entertainers protuberate on their will to win and the zeal to take Afrobeat to the pinnacle of the international music market, of course, glory days are looking right ahead of us. Creativity can never be exhausted, in the corner of every artist, there is an underlying work of art awaiting expression.
This will be a difficult task, however, consistency and impeccable production are quintessential elements in defining the image of the Afrobeat culture. It is not over for Burna, this is just the beginning of great accomplishment for the Spaceship recording artiste should he continue from where he stopped in the previous year.
The 28-year-old Nigerian recording artiste ended the decade as one of the poster boys for Afrobeat, in 2018, his fame attained new heights following the success of his hits ‘Ye’ from his 3rd studio album, Outside.
Burna has not looked back since, in fact, the music industry looks up needs his vibe, energy and choleric persona now more than ever.
What next for Afrobeat superstars?
Burna Boy’s nomination does not necessarily interpret success for every other Afrobeat acts in the country. Burna paid his dues, hence budding artistes must dance to their own tune.
For any other Afrobeat star to attain Burna’s feet, they must possess the mentality of an alpha. A winner and a goal getter, no sloppy production with mediocre lyrics. The now-iconic album, African Giant received international recognition because knew the purpose of his masterpiece.
Artiste such as Fireboy DML, Joeboy, Tems and Rema are the budding acts in the music industry, they need to hone their craft. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, the beauty of the vision is watching the dream and aspiration come into fruition.
Afrobeat is not yet as big Nigerians think it is, there is still room for improvement, hence, it is too early to relent. Of course, winning the Grammys is feasible, however, there needs to be a level of perfection in our craft. Until then, a Grammy win is still a long shot.
