Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Tems, and a collaboration featuring Chris Brown, Davido, and Lojay are among the nominees for the Best African Music Performance at the Grammy Awards’ second annual ceremony.
This year, the Recording Academy introduced the Best African Music Performance category to celebrate Africa’s dynamic musical landscape. In its first year, 22-year-old South African artist Tyla took home the award for her song “Water,” which also made history on the Billboard Hot 100 as the first South African track to enter in over 50 years.
However, Tyla will not be defending her title this year. Instead, five outstanding songs by a range of talented artists—including Chris Brown’s collaboration with Afrobeats stars Davido and Lojay—are competing for the Grammy.
Tems Leads with Most Nigerian Nominations
Tems stands out with three nominations, making her the highest-nominated Nigerian artist this year. Both Rema and Tems also received recognition in the Best Global Music Album category.
This year, the Recording Academy announced updates to several award categories to “strengthen the Grammy Awards’ inclusivity and fairness,” according to Academy officials.
Top nominees in other categories include Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, and Charli XCX, each with seven nominations. Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter follow closely with six nominations each.
Nominees for Best African Music Performance
Yemi Alade — “Tomorrow”
Burna Boy — “Higher”
Chris Brown — “Sensational” feat. Davido & Lojay
Asake & Wizkid — “MMS”
Tems — “Love Me JeJe”