# Grammys Best African Music Performance Nominees on the New Category – Billboard
After Harvey Mason Jr. embarked on a series of trips to Africa in 2022 that were “guided by curiosity,” the Recording Academy CEO and the organization at large were determined to become an “effective collaborator” for the creative communities across the continent. The first step arrived this year, when the category of best African music performance was unveiled. “Artists throughout the U.S., Africa and worldwide see this as a pivotal acknowledgment by the academy that African music has achieved extraordinary impact [and] influence throughout the globe,” chief awards and industry officer Ruby Marchand says. The academy’s African music genre manager, Shawn Thwaites, agrees, noting that the addition not only reflects the current music landscape but also “Africa’s profound influence on music history.” As Mason says, it is “the beginning of our journey to serve global music creators even more ambitiously.”
Here, each of the nominees discuss the historic new category — and what it means for African music’s future.
Asake:
I felt excited and grateful at the same time because African music and traditions have been a direct influence on the world for far too long to not have its own category. It is a great moment to be a part of.
Olamide:
Watching all the hard work pay off after our team has dominated the African continent and the world over the years is a blessing and a huge win already.
Asake:
It is a brilliant, diverse and very necessary first class of nominees. Thank you to the team at the Recording Academy for coming up with this and giving us the reach we deserve.
Asake:
Every young artist coming up out there can now relate to the fact that their dreams are valid and can now be showcased on the biggest stage in music.
Olamide:
The category will greatly impact the industry. African music has exploded globally over the years and will now be exposed on a large scale to the rest of the world.
It’s a significant milestone, not only for me, but for the entire African music industry. It’s a testament to the global recognition and appreciation of the diverse and rich musical traditions coming out of Africa, which I am a part of. This category symbolizes a bridge connecting the world to our continent. [It is] something I have believed in and pushed for, so I couldn’t be prouder to see it come to fruition.
It’s an immense honor. It’s like being part of history in the making. This category represents a platform for the incredible diversity and talent within the landscape of African music. It’s a moment of celebration for every African artist who has contributed to our vibrant music scene.
[It] is a game-changer for African musicians. It opens up a new world of opportunities for African artists to gain global recognition and reach wider audiences. It will also encourage more collaborations and cultural exchanges within the music industry. This category not only celebrates African talent but also fosters a sense of pride and achievement within the community. It certainly makes the Grammys more accessible to African artists.
I was so happy. I feel like this moment was a long time coming for me, and I’m extremely grateful.
It feels like further breaking the glass ceiling into the mainstream. Step by step, African influences and artists are getting more shine within the industry, and this feels like another win toward being acknowledged. To be a part of this historic moment is an honor.
I think it’s a well-curated group. Obviously, there’s so much talent in the African music community and definitely some other names I’d include, but I look forward to seeing future nominees in this category. And hopefully, more categories specifically for African music will be created in the future, too. This first year will definitely set the tone.
The African music community has celebrated the establishment of the Best African Music Performance category at the Grammy Awards. Many African artists have expressed their excitement and gratitude for the recognition and opportunities that this new category represents. The debut class of nominees reflects a diverse and talented group of artists, all of whom are honored to be part of this historic moment. They hope that this category will serve as a platform to showcase African music to a global audience and open doors for more African artists in the future. The sense of pride and joy among the nominees is palpable, as they eagerly anticipate the upcoming Grammy Awards ceremony.
