African artists likely to be nominated at the 67th GRAMMY Awards

With the vibrant sounds of Afrobeat, Amapiano, and Afropop captivating global audiences, African artists have risen to unprecedented heights in 2024. The 67th GRAMMY Awards are just around the corner, and a stellar lineup of African talent is in contention for the prestigious nominations. Music composer, GRAMMY member Manny King John highlights his top picks for the 67th GRAMMY Awards to be announced on the 8th of November, 2024. Here’s a look at the African artists who have made waves this year and are most likely to snag a nomination at the upcoming GRAMMYs.

1. Burna Boy

Burna Boy has continued his global ascent in 2024, building on his previous GRAMMY wins and nominations. Known for his seamless blend of Afrobeat, dancehall, and hip-hop, Burna’s recent work has demonstrated his versatility and lyrical prowess. This year, he has pushed the boundaries of African music, with compelling storytelling and beats that resonate worldwide. His standout performances and collaborative projects have further cemented his place in the global music scene, making him a strong contender once again.

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2. Davido – ‘Joy’ ft. Angelique Kidjo

Davido has had an unforgettable run this year, particularly with his track ‘Joy,’ featuring the iconic Angelique Kidjo. The song combines Afrobeat rhythms with rich, melodic vocals, creating a track that resonates deeply with fans around the globe. Davido’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his ability to collaborate with international icons, has solidified his place as one of Africa’s top musical exports. ‘Joy’ is not just a hit; it’s a cultural phenomenon that speaks to Davido’s talent and influence.

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3. Tyla – ‘Jump’ ft. Gunna & Skillibeng / ‘One Call’ ft. Omah Lay & Spinall

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South African sensation and Grammy winner Tyla has captured the music industry’s attention with her debut album and she is here to stay. With two global hits, ‘Water’ and ‘Jump’, Tyla has made her name and presence profound. Known for her unique voice and infectious energy, Tyla has seamlessly blended Afrobeat with elements of Amapiano, R&B, and dancehall. Her collaborations with renowned artists Gunna, Skillibeng, and Omah Lay have showcased her versatility and placed her at the forefront of African pop music. Both songs have charted internationally, proving Tyla’s star power and making her a likely contender for this year’s GRAMMY nod.

4. Rema

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The Rave-Lord could have taken the glory last year if his chart-topping hit with Selena Gomez was released within the eligibility period, but notwithstanding, Rema has been on an unstoppable journey, having released his second album ‘HEIS’, he is consistently breaking records with his catchy Afrobeats tunes and collaborations. Known for his youthful energy and genre-blending style, Rema’s music appeals to both African and international audiences. His distinctive sound, which fuses traditional African rhythms with trap and pop elements, has positioned him as one of Africa’s brightest stars. With hits that have dominated airwaves and streaming platforms, Rema’s potential for GRAMMY recognition is undeniable.

5. Asake – ‘MMS’ ft. Wizkid/ ‘Active’ ft. Travis Scott

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Asake has taken the Afrobeat world by storm in 2024, particularly with his hit ‘MMS’ featuring Wizkid. Asake’s unique approach to Afrobeat, infused with street-hop vibes and a catchy chorus, has made him a standout artist this year. His collaboration with Wizkid has further elevated his profile, showcasing his ability to create memorable music that resonates across diverse audiences. Asake’s star is on the rise, and ‘MMS’ has all the ingredients of a GRAMMY-worthy hit. Asake might snag a nod with ‘ACTIVE’, which is undeniably one of the hardest song released in 2024. I do not want to write too much about this song personally because I might be biased, but this feature marks Travis’s first and major feature/collaboration with a Nigerian artist who lives on the continent. That being said this is a big win for Asake and African music as a collective.

6. Tems

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Tems has become a household name worldwide, thanks to her soulful voice and powerful lyrics. Known for her emotive delivery and captivating performances, Tems has continued to build on her success in 2024. Her ability to connect with listeners on a deep level, coupled with her genre-defying music, makes her a favorite for the upcoming GRAMMYs. Her unique style has not only garnered a massive fan base but has also solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary African music.

7. Diamond Platnumz

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Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz has enjoyed a remarkable year, expanding his reach beyond East Africa and gaining traction in international markets. Known for his Bongo Flava style, Diamond has demonstrated versatility by embracing diverse genres and collaborating with international artists. His dynamic performances and ability to blend traditional and modern sounds have made him a top contender for GRAMMY recognition, representing East Africa’s vibrant music scene on the global stage.

8. TitoM & Yuppe – ‘Tshwala Bam’

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Emerging duo Tito & Yuppe have made waves with their track ‘Tshwala Bam,’ a song that perfectly captures the essence of Amapiano and its infectious beats. The duo’s creativity and chemistry have led to a fresh sound that has taken the music world by storm. With ‘Tshwala Bam,’ Tito & Yuppe have not only showcased their artistic prowess but have also put Amapiano in the spotlight, making them strong contenders for GRAMMY nominations in 2024.

9. Omah Lay – ‘Moving’

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Omah Lay’s ‘Moving’ is another song that’s captured global attention this year. Known for his emotive voice and smooth delivery, Omah Lay has consistently released songs that resonate with listeners across continents. ‘Moving’ stands out with its captivating lyrics and mesmerizing beat, establishing Omah Lay as one of the most influential voices in African music. His ability to connect with audiences and his steady rise in popularity make him a prime candidate for a GRAMMY nomination.

10. Chris Brown – ‘HMM’ ft. Davido

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Chris Brown’s collaboration with Davido on ‘HMM’ has blended R&B with Afrobeat in a way that has captivated fans around the world. Although Chris Brown is not African, his ongoing collaboration with African artists has helped bridge cultural divides and bring Afrobeat into mainstream R&B and pop. ‘HMM’ is a standout track that celebrates this fusion of sounds, making Chris Brown a potential nominee in categories that recognize global collaborations and genre-blending music.

Conclusion

As the 67th GRAMMY Awards approach, the world watches to see which African artists will make the nomination list. Each of these artists has made significant contributions to music this year, and their work is a testament to the creativity, diversity, and talent that African music brings to the global stage. From genre-defining hits to cross-continental collaborations, these artists continue to break boundaries, proving that African music is here to stay.