As the anticipation builds for the 67th Grammy Awards, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on Nigerian albums that have achieved one of the highest honors in music: a Grammy nomination. These albums showcase the evolution, creativity, and global influence of Nigerian artists in genres like Afrobeat, Afropop, and Afro-fusion.
Here’s a look at 12 remarkable Nigerian albums that have earned Grammy nods over the years.
12. “I Told Them…” by Burna Boy
Category: Best Global Music Album (66th Grammy Awards)
Burna Boy’s latest offering, I Told Them…, captures his artistic growth and reinforces his position as a pioneer of Afro-fusion. This marks Burna Boy’s fourth album to receive a Grammy nomination, a testament to his global appeal.
11. “Timeless” by Davido
Category: Best Global Music Album
Davido’s Timeless took 2023 by storm, breaking streaming records and captivating audiences worldwide. This album is his first to receive a Grammy nomination, a milestone for the Afrobeats superstar.
10. “Love, Damini” by Burna Boy
Category: Best Global Music Album (65th Grammy Awards)
Released in 2022, Love, Damini is a blend of creativity and originality, featuring collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Popcaan. Its hit single “Last Last” also earned a Grammy nod for Best Global Music Performance.
9. “Africa for Africa” by Femi Kuti
Category: Best Global Music Album (2012)
Rich in Afrobeat’s originality, Femi Kuti’s Africa for Africa demonstrated the enduring relevance of the genre pioneered by his father, Fela Kuti.
8. “African Giant” by Burna Boy
Category: Best Global Music Album
This 2019 album brought international acclaim to Burna Boy and helped cement Afrobeats’ global presence.
7. “No Place for My Dream” by Femi Kuti
Category: Best Global Music Album (2014)
Femi Kuti’s intricate instrumental work and powerful messaging earned this album a Grammy nod, further solidifying his legacy.
6. “Black Times” by Seun Kuti and Egypt 80
Category: Best World Music Album (2018)
Seun Kuti, alongside his legendary band Egypt 80, carried the Afrobeat torch with Black Times, an album that resonated with themes of resistance and revolution.
5. “Odu” by King Sunny Ade
Category: Best World Music Album (1999)
King Sunny Ade, a pioneer of Juju music, brought Nigerian traditional sounds to the global stage with Odu.
4. “Love Drum Talk” by Babatunde Olatunji
Category: Best World Music Album (1998)
A legendary percussionist, Babatunde Olatunji’s Grammy-nominated Love Drum Talk celebrates African rhythms and storytelling.
3. “Twice as Tall” by Burna Boy
Category: Best Global Music Album (2021 – Winner)
Twice as Tall became a historic win for Burna Boy, blending Afrobeat with global sounds and featuring collaborations with Chris Martin and Youssou N’Dour.
2. “Made in Lagos” by Wizkid
Category: Best Global Music Album
Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, with its breakout single “Essence” featuring Tems, marked a defining moment in Afrobeats’ global journey.
1. “Legacy+” by Femi Kuti and Made Kuti
Category: Best Global Music Album
This father-and-son collaboration combines traditional Afrobeat with modern influences, showcasing the evolution of the genre across generations.
Why These Albums Matter
Grammy nominations are more than just accolades—they signify global recognition for the rich, diverse sounds of Nigerian music. With the rise of Afrobeats and its crossover into global pop culture, these albums represent milestones in Nigeria’s musical journey.
Which of these albums is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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