Grammy created African category because of me – Burna Boy

Grammy-winning Afrobeat singer, Damini Ogulu better known as Burna Boy, has boasted that the Recording Academy added the “Best African Music Performance” category to the Grammys because of him.

In an interview with Los Angeles Times, the self-acclaimed African Giant stated that he feels “responsible” for the creation of the new African music category, which was introduced to the Grammy Awards lineup.

While expressing his appreciation for the acknowledgment of African music, he also raised valid questions regarding the stature and prestige associated with this new award.

He pondered whether the category might be perceived as a mere consolation prize, devoid of the same level of honor as the existing categories.

In his words, 

“I do feel somewhat responsible for the new ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, which is nice. At the same time, what is it really? Is it a consolation category? Will it hold as much prestige? I’m waiting to see.”

The Grammys award organisers announced the creation of the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category in June. It is open to both contemporary and traditional music from the African continent, including Afrobeats, Afro-pop, Amapiano, High Life, and Fuji, amongst others.

Burna Boy’s rise to global prominence has been meteoric, and his contributions to the contemporary music scene have significantly elevated the Afrobeats genre onto the international stage.

Burna Boy’s album, ‘Twice As Tall’ won the “Best Global Music Album’ category at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021.