How Tyla Outshone Afrobeats Giants to Clinch the Grammy

Afrobeats enthusiasts were once more crestfallen by the Grammy Awards when Tyla secured the Best African Music Performance accolade, surpassing formidable Nigerian contenders Davido, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr, a result that plunged Nigerian supporters into profound disbelief, disappointment, and anguish. Amidst the Nigerian music industry’s ongoing struggle for global preeminence, the critical question remains: should Afrobeats continue to rely on the Grammys to validate its premier artists and compositions?

That Sunday evening, the global spectacle proceeded, celebrating international heavyweights such as Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar. The night’s ultimate distinction went to Bad Bunny, who claimed the coveted Album of the Year award for his entirely Spanish-language record, marking a historic moment as the first Latin artist to conquer that most prized category.

Prior to the major accolades, the announcement of the Best African Music Performance category saw Afrobeats luminaries, including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Davido, nominated, only to witness the trophy once again claimed by Tyla.

This outcome precipitated a sharp reaction from Nigerians, who questioned the Grammys’ consistent pre-show promotion of Afrobeats, exemplified by securing a performance from Davido at the Grammy Museum, only to ultimately recognise a winner whose primary resonance was quantified by impact on US charts.