Grammy List Sparks Controversy Over Wizkid and Tems Exclusion

Ikenna ChurchillJanuary 31, 20241 Mins read263

The anticipation for the 66th Grammy Awards on February 4 is building, with the organizers recently unveiling a list of African musicians who have claimed the prestigious golden gramophones since the 1960s. However, social media erupted in controversy as notable artists like Wizkid and Tems were surprisingly absent from the roster of 10 African Grammy winners.

The historic journey began with Miriam Makeba, the late South African singer, who secured the first Grammy for Africa in 1966. Sade Adu, the Nigerian/UK pop sensation, followed suit in 1986, becoming the first Nigerian to clinch the global accolade. The latest Nigerian addition to the list is Burna Boy, who claimed the coveted Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021.

The Grammy Award – Africa Winners List includes remarkable talents like Ali Farka Touré, Cesária Évora, Youssou N’Dour, Angélique Kidjo, Tinariwen, and Black Coffee, showcasing the diverse musical richness of the continent.

Curiously, the exclusion of Wizkid and Tems, who both celebrated their maiden Grammy victories in 2021 and 2023 respectively, raised eyebrows. Some users speculated that their absence might be attributed to winning as featured artists. However, the exact criteria for compiling the list remain unclear.

The 2024 Grammy Awards, set for February 4 in Los Angeles, will introduce the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category to honour the continent’s artists. Notable nominees in this category include Asake, Olamide, Tems, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr, promising an exciting celebration of African musical excellence.

As the Grammys approach, the controversy surrounding the omission of Wizkid and Tems continues to fuel discussions on social media, leaving fans and critics alike eager to witness the unfolding of the prestigious event on the global stage.