Nigeria’s music scene isn’t just booming locally; it’s making waves worldwide, and the Grammys are taking notice. Let’s take a laid-back yet awe-filled look at some Nigerian artists who’ve scooped up those coveted Grammy awards.
Sade Adu
Sade Adu, the first Nigerian to win a Grammy Award, is renowned for her soulful voice and timeless hits. She secured four Grammy wins, including Best New Artist in 1986 and Best R&B Performance awards for songs like “No Ordinary Love” and “Soldier of Love.”
Seal
Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, known as Seal, is a Nigerian-British singer-songwriter with a string of hits to his name. His iconic song “Kiss from a Rose” earned him three Grammy Awards in 1996, along with another win in 2011 for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, better known as Burna Boy, made waves in 2020 when his album “Twice as Tall” clinched the Grammy for Best World Music Album, solidifying his status as a global Afrobeat sensation.
Sikiru Adepoju
A master percussionist and recording artist, Sikiru Adepoju won a Grammy Award in 2008 for his contribution to the ‘Global Drum Project’, showcasing Nigeria’s rich musical heritage on the world stage.
Kevin Olusola
As part of the vocal band Pentatonix, Nigerian-American musician Kevin Olusola bagged three Grammy wins, including Best Instrumental Arrangement for their rendition of Daft Punk’s songs and Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Jolene” featuring Dolly Parton.
Wizkid
Iconic singer and songwriter Wizkid, real name Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, earned his first Grammy award for Best Music Video in 2021 for his collaboration with Beyoncé on “Brown Skin Girl”, adding another accolade to his illustrious career.
Tems
Rising star Tems soared to new heights with her Grammy win for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2023, thanks to her feature on Future’s hit single “Wait for U”. Her mesmerising vocals continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Chamillionaire (Hakim Temidayo Seriki)
This Nigerian-American rapper won a Grammy in 2007 for his song “Ridin”, under the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. Despite receiving four nominations in 2007, he clinched one Grammy for his outstanding contribution to rap music.
Cynthia Erivo
This British-Nigerian powerhouse is not only an actress but also a Grammy winner. She earned a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2017 for her exceptional performance in “The Color Purple”. Erivo’s talent has transcended boundaries, earning her acclaim in both music and theatre, including a Tony Award for her role in “The Color Purple”.
Jenn Nkiru
Adding another dimension to Nigeria’s Grammy wins is British-Nigerian filmmaker Jenn Nkiru. She contributed to the Grammy-winning project “Brown Skin Girl”, co-directing the music video. Nkiru’s creative vision has earned her recognition in the music industry, including collaborations with Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune
