The 2025 Grammy Awards have once again showcased the diversity of global music, with Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo emerging victorious over Nigerian artists in the Best Global Music Album category. This win has sparked conversations across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, and the Kuti family were also strong contenders.
In this article, we will explore the significance of Kidjo’s win, the reactions from fans and industry experts, the evolving landscape of African music on the global stage, and what this means for the future of Nigerian and African artists at the Grammys.
Angelique Kidjo: A Global Music Icon
A Legacy of Excellence
Angelique Kidjo is no stranger to the Grammy stage. The Beninese singer has been a powerhouse in world music for decades, fusing Afrobeat, traditional Beninese sounds, jazz, and pop into a unique and globally recognized style. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying her place as one of the most influential African artists of all time.
Her latest album, which won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album, is a continuation of her musical journey that blends African rhythms with international influences. It features collaborations with younger African artists and global icons, proving once again her ability to stay relevant while pushing the boundaries of world music.
Her Influence on African Music
Kidjo has long been an advocate for African music, using her platform to highlight the richness of the continent’s sounds. She has mentored and collaborated with young African musicians, including Nigeria’s Burna Boy, who once credited her as an inspiration. Her Grammy wins have played a role in opening doors for African artists on the global stage, showing that African music is not just about commercial Afrobeats but also about cultural preservation and storytelling.
Nigerian Artists and Their Grammy Aspirations
Nigeria’s Dominance in Afrobeats
Nigeria has been at the forefront of the global Afrobeats movement, with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, and Tems gaining international recognition. The genre has grown beyond Africa, influencing global pop music and securing high-profile collaborations with artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
Who Were the Nigerian Contenders?
For the 2025 Grammy Awards, several Nigerian artists were in the running:
Wizkid: A major force in Afrobeats, Wizkid has had Grammy nominations before, and his collaborations with global superstars have made him one of the most recognized African musicians.
Burna Boy: Having won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in the past, Burna Boy was once again a strong contender. His latest album continued to showcase his mastery of blending Afrobeats with reggae and dancehall.
The Kuti Family (Seun and Femi Kuti): As the torchbearers of Afrobeat, the Kuti family continues to uphold the legacy of Fela Kuti, the genre’s pioneer. Their nomination represented traditional African music’s enduring influence.
Despite these strong competitors, Angelique Kidjo’s album was ultimately chosen by the Grammy voting panel.
Reactions to Kidjo’s Win
Supporters of Angelique Kidjo
Many music lovers and industry professionals see Kidjo’s victory as well-deserved. They argue that her music represents a more traditional and culturally rich form of African music, while Afrobeats, though globally successful, is more commercial and pop-driven.
Several fans and fellow artists congratulated Kidjo on social media, acknowledging her contributions to African music:
Burna Boy tweeted:"Mama Africa, we salute you! Your music inspires us all."
Yemi Alade (who has collaborated with Kidjo) posted:"A well-deserved win for an African legend! Congrats, Queen!"
Nigerian Fans Express Disappointment
On the other side, many Nigerian fans were frustrated, feeling that their country’s artists were once again overlooked. Some believed that Wizkid or Burna Boy should have won, given their influence and contribution to the Afrobeats movement.
A Nigerian fan tweeted:"Afrobeats is the sound of Africa right now. How does the Grammys keep snubbing Wizkid?"
Another fan wrote:"Angelique Kidjo is a legend, no doubt. But Nigerian artists are shaping the future of African music. When will the Grammys recognize that?"
This debate reflects a larger issue regarding the Grammy Awards’ approach to African music, particularly the balance between traditional African sounds and modern genres like Afrobeats.
The Grammy Controversy: Afrobeats vs. Traditional African Music
The Grammy category for Best Global Music Album has long been debated. Some feel that the award favors traditional African sounds over the more commercially successful Afrobeats.
The Afrobeats Dilemma
Afrobeats has become Africa’s biggest cultural export, dominating international charts and festivals. However, Grammy voters, many of whom are from traditional or classical music backgrounds, may prefer music that leans towards traditional instrumentation and deeper cultural roots rather than club hits.
When Burna Boy won a Grammy in 2021, his album contained strong traditional influences, not just Afrobeats.
Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, despite global acclaim, did not win, leading many to believe that the Grammys do not fully understand or appreciate the commercial power of Afrobeats.
Calls for a Dedicated Afrobeats Category
To address this issue, many have called for the Grammys to introduce an "Afrobeats" category, just as they have separate categories for Rap, Reggae, and Latin Music.
Davido, in a past interview, stated:"Afrobeats needs its own category. We are shaping global music in a way that should be recognized."
Burna Boy also mentioned:"The world is dancing to Afrobeats. It’s time for the Grammys to catch up."
As Afrobeats continues to dominate the world stage, the question remains: Will the Grammys evolve to reflect the changing landscape of African music?
The Future of African Music at the Grammys
A Growing Presence on the Global Stage
Despite the ongoing debates, African artists are gaining unprecedented global recognition. Streaming platforms, international collaborations, and global tours have made Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other African genres more accessible than ever.
Tems won a Grammy in 2023, showing that African female artists are also making strides.
Davido’s global success in 2024 further cemented Nigeria’s influence on the music scene.
Amapiano, a South African genre, is also gaining momentum, with artists like Major League DJz and Kabza De Small making waves.
Will Nigerian Artists Win More Grammys in the Future?
The short answer is yes—but it depends on how the Grammys continue to evolve. If the Recording Academy introduces an Afrobeats or Contemporary African Music category, it could increase the chances for Nigerian and other African artists to win without competing directly against traditional African music.
Moreover, as more Africans become Grammy voting members, they may help shape decisions that better reflect the current African music scene.
Conclusion
Angelique Kidjo’s Grammy win over Nigerian artists in 2025 has reignited discussions about the representation of African music at the Grammys. While Kidjo’s influence is undeniable, Nigerian fans and artists continue to push for greater recognition of Afrobeats on the global stage.
As the world’s interest in African music grows, the debate between traditional vs. modern African sounds at the Grammys will likely continue. However, one thing is clear—African music is here to stay, and its global impact is only getting stronger.
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