For years, African artists competed in categories with names like World Music. In 2023, the Recording Academy announced something new: a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. At the 66th Grammy Awards in February 2024, the first winner was announced. It was Tyla, a 22-year-old South African, for her amapiano-pop hit “Water”.
Why a new category
The global success of Afrobeats, amapiano and other African genres made the case for a dedicated category. African songs were topping charts and filling stadiums worldwide. Previously, African artists usually competed for Best Global Music Album, formerly Best World Music Album, and from 2022 Best Global Music Performance. The first nominees were Asake and Olamide for “Amapiano”, Burna Boy for “City Boys”, Davido featuring Musa Keys for “Unavailable”, Ayra Starr for “Rush” and Tyla for “Water”.
Tyla's win and the debate
Tyla’s victory surprised many observers, who expected one of the Nigerian stars to win. Her song had gone viral through a dance challenge and charted in the United States. Some Nigerian fans were disappointed, but many celebrated the recognition of African music as a whole. At the 2025 Grammys, Tems won the award for “Love Me JeJe”, becoming the second winner.
Some critics argue that grouping all African music in one category is too broad for a continent with so many styles. Others see it as an important step.
What it means for African music
The Academy has worked to add more African members, who vote on nominees and winners. Before the category, African winners included Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Black Coffee and Wizkid. The category gives African artists more visibility in the American music industry, which affects bookings, deals and streaming. Tyla’s “Water” drew on amapiano, the South African genre built on log drums and piano melodies. Her win drew new international attention to amapiano and its producers.
Nigerian dominance and streams
Four of the first six nominees were Nigerian, reflecting the commercial power of Afrobeats. Some observers argued that South African, East African and North African styles deserved more representation. African songs have recorded billions of streams in recent years, and promoters now book African artists for major festivals in Europe and America. African music did not need a Grammy to become global. The new category showed that the people handing out the awards had noticed.
