African music is now getting much-deserved recognition, and talented stars have been rewarded for their hard work in our own way of celebrating this accomplishment here is a list of every African act with a Grammy Award.
One award many covet has always been the Grammy Award, and we have had African acts that have received the award. In our little way of celebrating the growth of African music, here is a list of every African act and artist that has received a Grammy award.
Categorising the Grammy Awards as one of music's highly converted awards is no understatement; many often have mixed feelings as to why much relevance is placed on an artist securing a Grammy award before he or she can be viewed as an artist who has succeeded in the West.
For Western artists, the award itself is highly significant because, over time and in some instances, the Recording Academy has always celebrated talent and hard work. Accomplishing this, however, as an African act is something that is noteworthy and worth celebrating.
This is the case because winning such an important and prestigious award is a testament to how far such an artist has come in the music industry and just how much people are paying attention to African music as a whole.
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From legendary figures such as Fela Kuti to Angelique Kidjo and many more, African music has remained in the spotlight, and the evolution of African music is one that has been recognised and is now celebrated with a new category by the Recording Academy.
Music has always been something African acts have always been passionate about; the crucial part is, however, receiving recognition for your passion. The Recording Academy has continued to reward artists for their excellence, and we have compiled a list of Africans who have continued to be recognized.
Who is the first African to win a Grammy Award?
A notable figure in the history of South African music, Zenzile Miriam Makeba, a gifted singer and activist popularly known as Mama Africa, has a total of nine Grammy Award nominations under her belt. She became the first African artist in the award's history to receive a Grammy award in 1964 with her collaborative album with Henry Belafonte, titled An Evening with Belafonte, in the Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording category.
Who Is The First Nigerian To Win A Grammy Award?
The first Nigerian to ever win a Grammy award, according to the Grammy Official website, was Sikiru Adepoju at the 53rd edition of the award ceremony. The talented artist won the Best Contemporary World Music Album for his contribution to the album, 'Global Drum Project.'
List Of African Acts That Have Won A Grammy Award
Tems
Tyla
Black Coffee
Miriam Makeba
Sikiru Adepoju
Tinariwen
Wouter Kellerman
Wizkid
Burna Boy
Youssou N’Dour
Soweto Gospel Choir
Ali Farka Toure
Angelique Kidjo
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Has Tems Won A Grammy Award?
Singer Tems was recognised for her contribution to the hit rap song Wait For U with Future, and Drake it earned her the record of the first female Afrobeats artist to receive a Grammy Award. Tems, over time, has continued to represent Africa on the big stage. It is also certain she might receive a Grammy Award for her contribution to the soundtrack for the Marvel movie The Black Panther 2.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Tinariwen Have?
Tinariwen, a collective of Tuareg musicians from the Sahara Desert region of northern Mali, has a total of 3 Grammy nominations with one Grammy award in the Best World Music Album category with the album titled 'Tassili.'
What Black Coffee Song Won A Grammy?
At the 65th edition of the Grammy Awards held in 2022, the South African producer Black Coffee earned his first Grammy with his first nomination in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category with his 2021 project, Subconsciously. This was the talented producer's first win and nomination in that category.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Wouter Kellerman Have?
The South African musician, producer, and composer has a total of three Grammy award nominations, with one win in the Best New Age Album 'Winds Of Samsara.'
How Many Grammy Awards Does Wizkid Have?
Starboy Wizkid has one Grammy award to his name. The Nigerian superstar picked up his Grammy award for Best Music Video for his contribution to 'Brown Skin Girl' at the 63rd Edition of the Grammy Awards in 2021. Wizkid has extended his total Grammy Awards nominations to four and would be looking to take it a step further and also secure his second win with the introduction of Best African Music Performance, a category many have tipped him to be the first to win.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Burna Boy Have?
The African giant Burna Boy has one Grammy award in The Best World Music Album category with his album 'Twice as Tall' in 2021. The superstar, however, has a total of six Grammy nominations to his name and would look to extend his number of Grammy awards in February 2024. This was an important feat for Nigerian music, as he also performed alongside notable names at the 63rd Grammy Award pre-show.
The 66th edition is also shaping to be a big night for Burna Boy as he was confirmed as one of the artists that will take to the stage and deliver a remarkable performance at the Grammy Awards 2024.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Youssou N’Dour Have?
The legend Youssou N’Dour, of Senegalese origin, has a total of six Grammy award nominations to his name. He won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album with his album titled 'Egypt.'
How Many Grammy Awards Does Soweto Gospel Choir Have?
With 5 nominations and three awards, the South African group Soweto Gospel Choir holds a spot on our list. The talented group has always been acknowledged for their creative contribution to developing African music worldwide. The group has won the Best World Music Album with the album 'Freedom,' as well as the Best Traditional World Music Album with 'Blessed,' and 'African Spirit.'
How Many Grammy Awards Does Ali Farka Toure Have?
The legendary Malian singer holds a position on this list, with 5 nominations and three awards. He won the Best Traditional World Music Album with 'Ali And Toumani,' and 'In The Heart Of The Moon,' and the Best World Music Album category with 'Talking Timbuktu.'
The talented and creative singer influenced the way people viewed African music until his passing in 2006 after a long battle with cancer.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Angelique Kidjo Have?
The Beninese singer-songwriter, actress, and activist Angelique Kidjo holds over four Grammy awards. The talented musician has over 14 nominations to her name. She won the Best Contemporary World Music Album with 'Djin Djin,' Best World Music Album with 'Eve,' 'Sings,' Celia.' She has remained relevant in the African music industry to date.
How Many Grammy Awards Does Ladysmith Black Mambazo Have?
With 17 nominations and 5 Grammy awards, the South African male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo holds a position on our list. They are viewed as the most prestigious group in South Africa to date. The group won the Best World Music Album with 'Shaka Zulu Revisited: 30th Anniversary Celebration,' and 'Live: Singing For Peace Around The World.' the Best Traditional World Music Album was another category they dominated with 'Raise Your Spirit Higher,' 'Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu,' and Best Traditional Folk Recording with 'Shaka Zulu.'
They have still continued to be remembered for their fifth Grammy award dedicated to the former president of South Africa, Late Nelson Mandela.
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