Grammy-nominated Nigerian artists are taking center stage in global music, redefining what it means to go from local to legendary. Over the past few years, artists like Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, and rising stars such as Ayra Starr and Asake have not only earned Grammy nods—they’ve reshaped the world’s perception of African sound. From Lagos to the world stage, their nominations and wins reflect Afrobeats’ explosive journey into the mainstream. This article highlights Nigerian artists who have won Grammy Awards, those nominated between 2023 and 2025, and what their recognition means for the future of African music on a global scale.
The Grammys, the crème de la crème of music accolades, now recognise Nigerian talent like never before. Let’s explore the key players from 2023 to 2025.
Grammy-Nominated Nigerian Artists in 2023: Tems, Burna Boy, and More
1. Tems – A Star on the Rise
Tems made history by winning her first Grammy Award for contributing to “Wait for U” by Future, featuring Drake and Tems. The track won Best Melodic Rap Performance, making Tems the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammy. It wasn’t just a win for Tems; it was a win for every young Nigerian artist pushing boundaries.
Her solo work also got a nod. Her blend of alternative R&B, soul, and Afrobeats stood out, earning her global acclaim and cementing her status as a force to watch.
2. Burna Boy – Mr. Grammy Nominee
Burna Boy, already a Grammy winner from 2021, received more nominations for his hit albums:
Best Global Music Album – Love, Damini
Best Global Music Performance – Last Last
While he didn’t take home the awards that year, his consistent Grammy presence highlighted his staying power and influence. Burna Boy is no longer just a Nigerian act; he’s a global powerhouse.
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2024 Grammy-Nominated Nigerian Artists: Davido, Asake, and the Rise of African Music
Fast-forward to 2024, a major turning point came when the Grammys introduced a new category called the Best African Music Performance award. This was huge as it gave Nigerian artists and the wider African music scene a more defined spotlight.
Some nominees in this category included:
1. Davido – Finally Gets His Flowers
After years of global success, Davido finally received his first Grammy nominations:
Best Global Music Album – Timeless
Best African Music Performance – Unavailable (feat. Musa Keys)
Though he didn’t win, the long-overdue nominations marked a new chapter in his already successful career.
2. Asake – The Street King Goes Global
Asake also broke into the scene internationally with his unique blend of Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, earning him his first Grammy nomination for:
Best Global Music Album Nominee: Work of Art
This recognition was a major milestone for the street-pop genre, showing the world that there’s much more to Nigerian music than mainstream Afrobeats.
2025 Grammy Awards: Nigerian Artists Making Waves
As we rolled into 2025, Nigerian artists continued dominating Grammy conversations, with more nominations and visibility.
1. Tems – Back in the Mix
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Nigerian singer Tems won the Best African Music Performance award for her song Love Me Jeje. This marks her second Grammy win and makes her the first Nigerian artist to win in this newly introduced category.
She was nominated for Best Global Music Album.
She was also nominated for Best R&B Song but didn’t win.
Tems wasn’t lagging behind on the 2025 Grammy Awards. She also won Best New Artist in 2024, leading the nominations with three. Her win for Love Me Jeje highlights African music’s growing global recognition and influence.
2. Ayra Starr – Young, Bold, and Grammy-Nominated
Ayra Starr broke new ground by earning a Best African Music Performance nomination for her viral hit “Rush.” With her bold vocals and Gen Z energy, she proudly represented the new school of Afrobeats.
Other nominations under this category were:
Yemi Alade for her song Tomorrow
Asake and Wizkid for their song MMS
Burna Boy for his song Higher
Why Nigerian Artists Are Dominating the Global Music Scene
Nigerian artists weren’t recognised at the Grammys before now, so what’s fueling this Grammy surge?
Global Collaborations
Nigerian artists have teamed up with megastars like Beyoncé, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Future. These collaborations have opened new doors and ears.Streaming Power
Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Boomplay have made it easier than ever to share Nigerian music across borders. For example, Burna Boy’s Last Last racked up millions of streams worldwide.Cultural Influence
Nigerian fashion, slang, and dance trends now dominate TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms, making the music more relatable and viral. Most international dance video clips seen on the internet these days are Nigerian songs accompanied by our moves.
From Lagos to the world, Nigerian artists are rewriting the rules of global music recognition. The Grammys are no longer a far-fetched dream—they’re part of the journey now.
As the Afrobeats wave continues to sweep the globe, one thing is clear: Nigeria isn’t just making noise. It’s making history.
So next time you hear a beat drop that gets your head nodding, don’t be surprised if it started in Lagos.
The Rise of Grammy-Winning Nigerian Artists and Afrobeats’ Global Impact
The world is finally catching up to what Nigerians have known: our sound is unstoppable. The recent surge in Grammy-nominated Nigerian artists and the introduction of categories like Best African Music Performance prove that Afrobeats at the Grammys is more than a trend; it’s a movement. With pioneers like Burna Boy and Tems paving the way and new talents rising fast, Nigerian artists who have won the Grammys are just the beginning of a bigger wave. The stage is global, and Nigeria owns it, one Grammy recognition at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nigerian Artists at the Grammys
Who are some of the most successful Nigerian artists nominated for the Grammys?
Some of the most successful Grammy-nominated Nigerian artists include Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, Ayra Starr, and Asake.
What new Grammy category was introduced to spotlight African music?
The Grammy Awards introduced the Best African Music Performance category in 2024 to specifically recognize African artists and their contributions.
Has any Nigerian artist won a Grammy more than once?
Yes, Tems has won multiple Grammys, including Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 and Best African Music Performance in 2025.
How have Nigerian artists impacted global music culture?
Nigerian artists have influenced global music through collaborations with international stars, viral dance and music trends on social media, and their widespread streaming success on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Why is Afrobeats becoming so popular worldwide?
Afrobeats combines catchy rhythms, diverse sounds, and cultural storytelling, which resonates with global audiences. The genre’s visibility has been boosted by international awards, collaborations, and social media platforms.
