Representing Africa: Afrobeats Set to Dominate at the 67th Grammy Awards
With the 67th Annual Grammy Awards just around the corner, African music is once again taking center stage, with Afrobeats and Amapiano leading the charge.
Several African artists have been nominated, signaling the continued global rise of African music. However, the overwhelming representation of Afrobeats in the Best African Music Performance category has sparked discussions about the diversity of the continent’s sound and the Recording Academy’s approach to categorization.
Afrobeats Reigns Supreme in Nominations
Seven out of the eight artists nominated in the Best African Music Performance category are Nigerian, reinforcing Nigeria’s dominance in the Afrobeats movement.
The nominees for Best African Music Performance came solely from Afrobeats. Photo: Courtesy
The only non-Nigerian nominee is American artist Chris Brown, who features on the song "Sensational" alongside Nigerian stars Davido and Lojay. The entire category is composed of Afrobeats or Afrobeats-adjacent songs, raising questions about whether the Grammys recognize the full spectrum of African music.
When South African singer Tyla won the first-ever Best African Music Performance award last year for her global hit "Water," it seemed like a victory for diversity within the category.
However, her exclusion from this year’s nominations, despite a successful year, has left many questioning the Academy’s selection criteria. Some Nigerians online have even mocked Tyla’s snub, further reinforcing the perception that the award has become a birthright for Afrobeats artists.
Amapiano's Influence and Grammy Snubs
While Afrobeats continues to dominate the Grammy nominations, the glaring omission of Amapiano—a genre that has taken Africa and the global music scene by storm—has left many fans and industry experts frustrated.
Amapiano has produced some of the biggest hits on the continent, yet it remains overlooked by the Academy.
Tracks like TitoM and Yuppe’s "Tshwala Bam," Uncle Waffles’ "Wadibusa," and Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s "Imithandazo" have enjoyed massive popularity, making a strong case for Amapiano’s inclusion in the category.
Despite its undeniable influence, Amapiano remains underrepresented, further reinforcing the argument that the Grammys may be prioritizing commercial crossover appeal over true continental diversity.
The Bigger Picture: African Music’s Representation on the Global Stage
The Recording Academy’s choices for the Best African Music Performance category reflect a larger conversation about how African music is perceived in Western award institutions. The tendency to group all African music under the "Afrobeats" umbrella diminishes the rich diversity of sounds emerging from different parts of the continent.
From Bongo Flava in East Africa to the Afro-house and Amapiano movements in Southern Africa, there is an array of African genres that deserve recognition on the global stage.
As the Grammy Awards approach, the discussion around representation and recognition remains crucial.
Whether the Academy will address these concerns in the future remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on February 2, when the world will witness another defining moment for African music at the Grammys.