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GRAMMY INTRODUCES ‘BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE’ CATEGORY TO 2024 AWARDS

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The Recording Academy, organizers of Grammy Awards, has created a category for ‘Best African Music Performance.’ The category was one of the three new ones. That the academy revealed on Tuesday in a statement posted on its website. The Best Pop Dance Recording and  Best Alternative Jazz Album categories are the other newly established ones.

According to the statement, the new categories will receive nominations beginning with next year’s show.

“The addition of the Best African Music Performance category reflects how African acts such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems—along with the rise of the Afrobeats genre—have become global chart-topping stars and streaming juggernauts,” the statement reads in part.

The Grammy “Best African Music Performance” category is open to contemporary and traditional African music, including Afrobeats, Afro-pop, Amapiano, High Life, Fuji, etc.

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2024 GRAMMYs: 4 Things To Know About The New Categories & Changes

The Recording Academy just announced that three new categories will be added for the 2024 GRAMMYs: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. Here’s why these changes are important.

For decades, African music, alternative jazz and dance pop have been nominated for — and winning — GRAMMYs. Now, the Recording Academy is celebrating these impactful sounds like never before.

As announced today, three new categories have been added to Music’s Biggest Night: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording. They will be awarded for the first time ever at the 2024 GRAMMYs, officially known as the 66th GRAMMY Awards.

The initiation of these three categories is far from a technicality; it amounts to a watershed moment for the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Awards. And as with all category additions and amendments at the GRAMMYs, changes like these open up the prospect of GRAMMY wins and nominations to artists from a multitude of backgrounds and across more genres.

Here are four reasons you should be excited about these new categories and changes at the 2024 GRAMMYs.

If you like rock, hip-hop, blues, jazz, folk music, bluegrass … really, just about every form of American music, then you have the genius of Africa to thank.

Historically, the Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance GRAMMY categories have nominated and awarded African music and artists. Now, the creation of Best African Music Performance category will amplify and expand the reach of African music and its creators.

As recently announced, the Best African Music Performance category “includes but is not limited to the Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz genres, making this newly announced, exciting category a far-reaching and all-encompassing award.

Which of these distinct sounds will be represented on the first-ever Best African Music Performance nominees list? Watch this space to find out.

Crossover Jazz Is Exploding — And The GRAMMYs Reflect This

From The Comet is Coming to Georgia Anne Muldrow to Kassa Overall, jazz artists are increasingly exploring the music’s common ground with hip-hop, soul, experimental music, and any number of other genres. As artists continue to expand and experiment within and beyond the genre, jazz remains an evolving sound. A huge win for forward-thinking, genre-straddling jazz artists of all stripes, the newly announced Best Alternative Jazz Album is a reflection of this ever-growing landscape and dynamic sound.

Dance & Pop Have Long Been Deeply Intertwined

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, pop titans have been incorporating elements of dance and electronic music for decades. Now, there’s a new, and essential, category that reflects the convergence between these two genres.

As the official Recording Academy statement describes, the new Best Pop Dance Recording category “recognizes tracks and singles that feature up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement.”

If this kicks up questions about remixes in the dance and electronic landscape, the Academy’s got that covered: Dance remixes will continue to live in the Best Remixed Recording category.

All GRAMMY Voters Can Now Vote In The Producer Of The Year and Songwriter Of The Year Categories

In addition to the newly announced GRAMMY categories, the Recording Academy also announced major changes to the General Field categories: Starting at the 2024 GRAMMYs, the Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical and Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical categories will be moved to the General Field. This major change now allows all GRAMMY voters the ability to vote in these widely celebrated, non-genre-specific categories.

A reflection of the Academy’s commitment to “actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community” and “stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape,” according to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr., this move ensures that all GRAMMY voters can participate in recognizing excellence in these definitive categories, further expanding representation and participation in these categories.

At the 2023 GRAMMYs, the Recording Academy introduced the Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical categoryTobias Jesso Jr. made history by becoming the first-ever GRAMMY winner of that award.

GRAMMY.com 


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Burna Boy Splashes $100,000 on 6uff, Odumodublvck at Lagos Club Night

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Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy turned heads over the weekend after reportedly spending $100,000 to support rising acts during a high-energy night at Bayrock Lifestyle in Lagos.


The early Sunday event saw standout performances from Odumodublvck and fast-rising act 6uff, as Burna Boy vibed enthusiastically alongside Phyno and Seyi Vibez.

The artists lit up the venue with their hit track “10 Minutes,” creating a charged atmosphere under neon lights and confetti.

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Surprise Moment with Nasboi



One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Burna Boy spotted comedian and singer Nasboi leaving the club. Calling him back, the Grammy-winning star praised his work, requested a quick performance, and gifted him a stack of $100 bills.


Nasboi later shared the moment online, expressing excitement and gratitude, saying he felt “on top of the world” after the unexpected encounter.

Artists React, Fans Weigh In



Following the event, Odumodublvck humorously remarked that the intense performance left him sleeping until 3 p.m., highlighting the demanding nature of the night.


Fans have since flooded social media with praise for Burna Boy’s generosity and support for fellow entertainers.

However, some critics argue the lavish spending could be part of a strategic rollout ahead of new music.

Industry Buzz



The club appearance has further fueled speculation about upcoming releases from Burna Boy, known for blending headline-making moments with music promotion.

Regardless of intent, the night reinforced his influence in the Nigerian entertainment scene and his willingness to spotlight emerging talent.

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Omah Lay Announces ‘Clarity of Mind’ World Tour, Set to Headline Wembley

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Omah Lay Announces Clarity of Mind World Tour, Wembley Headline Show Confirmed
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Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has officially unveiled his highly anticipated Clarity of Mind World Tour, marking a major milestone in his global career.

The tour comes on the back of his critically acclaimed second album Clarity of Mind, a project that has resonated widely for its introspective themes and Afro-fusion sound. The album made a strong impact internationally, topping Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with multiple tracks gaining traction across streaming platforms.

As part of the European leg, Omah Lay will perform in major cities including Brussels on November 6, Berlin on November 8, and Paris on November 13. The tour will culminate in a landmark headline show at OVO Arena Wembley, a 12,500-capacity venue in London—a significant achievement for the fast-rising star.

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Tickets for all dates are scheduled to go on sale May 8 at 10 a.m. local time.

Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, viewing it as yet another indication of Afrobeats’ growing global dominance. Many also pointed to fellow Nigerian artist Young Jonn, who has similarly made waves internationally, highlighting a broader movement of African artists commanding major global stages.

With the “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” Omah Lay continues to cement his position as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling voices, bringing deeply personal storytelling and genre-blending sounds to an ever-expanding international audience.

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Tiwa Savage Reveals Musical Influences, Names Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido

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Tiwa Savage musical influences
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Award-winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has opened up about the musical icons who have shaped her sound, revealing a blend of global and African influences.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats star disclosed that her music is inspired by a mix of legendary R&B and Afrobeats artists, including Brandy, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.

The revelation has sparked widespread reactions online, with many fans expressing surprise at her inclusion of fellow Afrobeats stars as part of her inspiration. While her admiration for Brandy—known for her smooth vocals and emotional delivery comes as no shock, her acknowledgment of Nigerian contemporaries has drawn particular attention.

Tiwa Savage is widely recognized for blending R&B elements with Afrobeats, creating a unique sound that resonates with audiences both locally and globally. By drawing from artists across different genres and regions, she continues to position herself as one of Africa’s most versatile music stars.

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Following her comments, social media platforms have been buzzing with mixed reactions. While some fans praised her openness and ability to evolve musically, others described the moment as a sign of unity within the Nigerian music industry.

Her latest statement further highlights her creative process and reinforces her status as a global Afrobeats icon, whose music continues to bridge cultures and genres.

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BNXN Slams Fat Joe Over “Buju” Claim, Sparks Global Afrobeats Debate

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Nigerian Afrobeats star BNXN has responded to comments made by American rapper Fat Joe regarding the origins of his former stage name “Buju,” reigniting debate across the global music scene.


Speaking on the Joe and Jada podcast, Fat Joe claimed he once called out a “fake guy in Africa” for using the Buju name, suggesting that the criticism led BNXN born Daniel Etiese Benson—to eventually rebrand in 2022. The remarks quickly went viral, drawing backlash from fans and industry figures.


BNXN initially reacted strongly in a now-deleted post, accusing Fat Joe of spreading misinformation and showing “hate” toward African music. He later softened his stance, calling for mutual respect between artists across continents and emphasizing the need for better understanding of Afrobeats and its cultural roots.
The controversy has sparked wider conversations online, with Nigerian rapper Olamide and other artists publicly backing BNXN.

Supporters argue that the name “Buju” was never exclusively owned, pointing out its separate usage by Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, whose influence spans decades.

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Fans have also weighed in with streaming comparisons, noting that BNXN’s catalog has, in some cases, outperformed Buju Banton’s on platforms like Spotify fueling debates about generational shifts and the global rise of Afrobeats.


BNXN adopted his new name in 2022 to establish a distinct identity while maintaining his artistic legacy. Despite the brief clash, his recent comments suggest a desire to move forward, focusing on music and cross-cultural collaboration rather than conflict.

 

 

 

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Blessing CEO Backtracks on ‘Stage 4 Cancer’ Claim Amid Fraud Allegations

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Blessing CEO Apologizes Over Cancer Claim, Offers Refunds After N13m Donations
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Nigerian relationship expert Blessing CEO has issued a public apology following widespread backlash over her earlier claim that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.

In a video shared online, Blessing admitted that her use of the term “stage 4” may have been a miscommunication, acknowledging that it caused confusion, concern, and public embarrassment. The claim had initially triggered sympathy from followers, leading to reported donations totaling about N13 million.

However, skepticism quickly grew as critics began questioning inconsistencies in her medical reports and referencing her history of past controversies. The situation escalated into allegations of possible fraud, with many demanding clarification and proof.

Responding to the backlash, Blessing stated that she never intended to mislead the public and expressed regret over how the information was presented. She also announced that she is willing to refund donors who feel misled.

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To rebuild trust, she promised to release detailed medical evidence, including scan results and biopsy reports, to provide transparency about her health condition. She has since begun sharing hospital scan footage, which has continued to draw mixed reactions online.

While some supporters believe her apology is genuine and view the situation as a misunderstanding, others remain doubtful, insisting that full medical disclosure is necessary to resolve the controversy.

The incident has reignited conversations around accountability, online influence, and the responsibility public figures have when sharing sensitive personal information.

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