By Leshi Adebayo
Again, history was made for Africa after legendary Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo clinched her 5th Grammy award for the Best Global Music Album category at the 64th Grammys held at MGM Arena, Las Vegas, U.S.A on Sunday night.
The 61-year old singer’s album, ‘Mother Nature’ featuring Nigerian artistes — Burna Boy, Yemi Alade and Mr Eazi — won the category beating Wizkid’s much-hyped album, “Made in Lagos (Deluxe)” and Femi and Made Kuti’s “Legacy+” album.
It was rather a sad one for Nigerians after Starboy records CEO, Ayodeji Balogun popularly known Wizkid missed out on the race to bag the much talked-about award despite two nominations.
Other Nigerian artistes who lost were past Grammy award winner, Damini Ogulu professionally known as Burna Boy. Afrobeat successor, Femi Kuti and his son, Made also failed to win.
While receiving her 5th Grammy, Angelique Kidjo took the opportunity to appreciate the young African musicians, who assisted in her new Grammy achievement.
Meanwhile, the news of Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” album and Tems-assisted hit song “Essence” losing out in the Grammy awards has sent shock waves across the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Since the news of Wizkid’s nominations for the Best Global Music album and Best Global Music Performance categories broke in 2021, fans and well-wishers had tipped the Starboy Records boss to ace both categories. Unfortunately, the singer’s Grammys hopes were dashed.
Interestingly, different reactions have been pouring in against and in favour of the artiste since the results of the award categories were announced.
Worthy of note is that Davido’s recent feature in the FIFA 2022 official soundtrack, ‘Hayya Hayya’ has been considered to be a better achievement compared to Wizkid and Burna Boy’s nominations following the duo’s loss.
