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From Lagos to the Grammys: How Nigerians and Artists with Nigerian Roots Are Dominating Music’s Biggest Stage
The Grammy Awards, the most prestigious honor in the global music industry, have long been a space dominated by Western artists. However, Nigerian musicians and artists with Nigerian heritage have consistently broken barriers, earning nominations, winning awards, and redefining the global music landscape. From Afrobeat pioneers to today’s Afrobeats superstars, their impact continues to grow.
The Early Pioneers: Babatunde Olatunji and Sikiru Adepoju
Before Afrobeats became a global force, Nigerian musicians were already making history at the Grammys.
• Babatunde Olatunji was one of the first Nigerians to win a Grammy when he contributed to Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, which won Best World Music Album in 1991. His work in popularizing African drumming globally earned him immense respect.
• Sikiru Adepoju, another Nigerian percussionist, followed in Olatunji’s footsteps, winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2009 for his collaboration with Mickey Hart on Global Drum Project.
These pioneers paved the way for future generations, proving that African music could thrive on the world stage.
The Global Icons: Sade Adu and Seal
Beyond traditional African music, artists of Nigerian heritage have also dominated mainstream music.
• Sade Adu, one of the most celebrated female vocalists in history, has won four Grammy Awards. Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, in 1959, Sade moved to the UK as a child but has always embraced her Yoruba roots. Her Grammy wins include:
• Best New Artist (1986)
• Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for “No Ordinary Love” (1994)
• Best Pop Vocal Album for Lovers Rock (2002)
• Best R&B Performance for “Soldier of Love” (2011)
• Seal, another British-born artist of Nigerian descent, has also won four Grammys, all in 1996 for his hit song Kiss from a Rose (Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance) and his work on Prayer for the Dying.
These two legends prove that Nigerian talent transcends genres, influencing soul, jazz, pop, and R&B worldwide.
The Afrobeats Revolution: Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Kevin Olusola
The last decade has seen Afrobeats rise to global prominence, with Nigerian artists winning some of the biggest awards in music.
• Burna Boy made history when Twice As Tall won Best Global Music Album in 2021, making him the first Nigerian to win a Grammy for his solo project.
• Wizkid won his first Grammy in 2021 for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, which won Best Music Video.
• Tems has rapidly become one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars, winning two Grammys:
• Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for Wait For U (with Future & Drake)
• Best Global Music Performance in 2025 for her original song Love Me Jeje
• Kevin Olusola, a member of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix, has won three Grammys, showcasing Nigerian excellence in a completely different genre.
Wizkid and Bloody Civilian’s Grammy Recognition in 2025
In 2025, Wizkid and rising Nigerian artist Bloody Civilian received Grammy recognition as contributors to the Bob Marley tribute album One Love, which won Best Reggae Album. Their involvement in the project further highlights the increasing role of Nigerian artists in shaping the global music scene.
Notable Nigerian Grammy Nominees Who Haven’t Won (Yet!)
While many Nigerians have won Grammys, several legendary artists have been nominated multiple times but are still awaiting their first win.
• Femi Kuti – The son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, Femi has been nominated six times (2003, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2019, and 2022) but has yet to win.
• Seun Kuti – Following in his father Fela Kuti’s footsteps, Seun received a Grammy nomination in 2019 for Best World Music Album for his album Black Times. Leading Egypt 80, the same band his father once led, Seun continues to push Afrobeat’s legacy on a global scale.
• King Sunny Adé – The juju music legend was nominated for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording in 1984 and Best World Music Album in 1999.
• Made Kuti – Following in his father’s footsteps, Made received a Grammy nomination alongside Femi Kuti in 2022 for their joint album Legacy+.
• Davido – One of Afrobeats’ biggest stars, Davido earned his first Grammy nominations in 2024 for Best Global Album (Timeless), Best Global Music Performance (“Feel”), and Best African Music Performance (“Unavailable”).
• Asake – The breakout star was nominated for the first time in 2024 for Best African Music Performance for Amapiano (feat. Olamide), showcasing his rapid rise in the global music scene.
• Olamide – One of Nigeria’s most influential rappers, Olamide earned his first Grammy nomination in 2024 for Best African Music Performance for his feature on Asake’s Amapiano. His nomination cements his status as one of Nigeria’s most consistent hitmakers.
• Tiwa Savage – A leading female force in Afrobeats, Tiwa Savage has contributed to Grammy-nominated projects, further pushing the visibility of women in the genre.
These artists may not have won (yet), but their nominations prove that Nigerian music is gaining more global recognition each year.
What This Means for Nigerian Music
The Grammy journey of Nigerian artists—from early pioneers to today’s Afrobeats superstars—proves that Nigerian music is no longer a niche genre; it is a dominant force in global entertainment. Whether through Afrobeats, soul, pop, or traditional drumming, Nigerian artists continue to break barriers and set new records.
Gone are the days when African artists struggled for Western recognition. Today, Nigerian music dominates global charts, headlines festivals, and wins the most prestigious awards. With Afrobeats continuing to grow and more Nigerian artists making waves internationally, it’s only a matter of time before even more names join this prestigious list.
The Grammy stage is no longer just a dream for Nigerian artists—it’s now a space where they shine brightest. And the best part? This is just the beginning.
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By Melinda Smith
Behold a gallery of visionaries, pioneers, and change-makers who have sculpted the narrative of Africa's ascent to greatness. These luminaries, hailing from diverse corners of this vibrant continent, have not only shattered ceilings but have built bridges that span the globe. As you navigate the hallowed halls, you will encounter the stories of individuals whose names have become synonymous with progress, empowerment, and transformation.
