The recent Grammy Awards stirred up a storm of reactions online when South African artist Tyla secured a historic victory with her song ‘Water’ at the 66th Grammys; beating all four notable Nigerian contenders, including Davido, Asake, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr to claiming the first-ever Best African Music Performance award in the Recording Academy history.
The win marked a significant moment for African artists as it will be the first time the Recording Academy will have a specific category for African Music. One widely welcomed on the continent despite some criticism for its delayed inception.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy popular for his hit album African Giant, nominated in four categories, did not take home a Grammy.
He however stole the show in an historic stage performance with multi-genre legend Brandy and British American Rapper 21 Savage in a captivating performance that left the audience hyped and in awe.
Eight Nigerian artists, including Davido, Burna Boy, Asake, Olamide, Ayra Starr, Ckay, Fireboy DML, and Tems, collectively received ten nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards but came up short in securing the prestigious accolade.
For many Nigerian music fans who had hoped their favorite artists would at least bag one award, they were quickly met with disappointment – taking to various social media to vent and bash the Grammys as misinformed and a waste of time.
Reacting to the unexpected twist during the award presentation, self-proclaimed Afrobeats ambassador Adesope, known as Shopsydoo, criticized the Grammy Recording Academy. He suggested that they took advantage of Nigerian artists for marketing purposes.
“They used Davido for their platform marketing strategy and dumped him.”
“Why would they be playing Fela’s ‘Water’ while Tyla’s ‘Water’ won an award for a category they claimed to know well?
“They had no clue about the award they were given.”
He advised African artists to reconsider submitting their songs to the Recording Academy.
Despite the reactions, South Africans defended Tyla’s win and urged Nigerians to appreciate the accomplishment.
An X user tweeted, “Nigerians are fuming over Tyla’s award. Raise that flag high baby girl. A well-deserved win.”
Another user defended Tyla’s win and criticized Nigerians, stating,
“Nigerians are really the worst bunch of people. Getting mad cuz Tyla won a Grammy against 4 Nigerians. She earned it, she deserves it. They must stop this mentality of thinking they’re better than everyone.”
The Grammy’s rivalry also extended to South Africa and Nigeria’s upcoming football match between the two nations in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals in Ivory Coast.
Some expressed confidence that, despite Tyla’s Grammy win, Nigeria would emerge victorious on the football field.
Nigerian singer Teniola Apata in a viral video pleaded with the Nigerian football team (Super Eagles) to defeat South Africa
“South Africa, you will dance Amapiano after your AFCON defeat.”
X user BafanaBafanaPassion countered saying, “Bafana Bafana must understand that we can lose to anyone but not to Nigeria. We need that win more than anything. That is not just a football match; it’s personal!! 😭😭”
Amid the rivalry, three-time Grammy nominee Davido extended congratulations to Tyla, encouraging her to “keep soaring.”
