Seunfunmi Joshua
Since the Grammy nominations have been announced, conversations and controversy have ensued, especially surrounding the Best African Music Performance category. While Afrobeats continues to dominate the spotlight, many have criticized the lack of genre diversity and representation for other vibrant sounds from across the continent. The nominations have sparked a broader discussion about whether the Grammys are truly reflecting Africa’s rich and varied musical landscape or simply prioritizing commercial appeal and familiarity.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Nigerian Dominance Continues
Seven of the eight artists nominated in the Best African Music Performance category are Nigerian, underscoring the continued dominance of Afrobeats on the global stage. The only exception? Chris Brown, nominated alongside Davido and Lojay for “Sensational.” His inclusion highlights how even non-African artists gain visibility in this category by working within the Afrobeats framework.
- Amapiano and Pan-African Hits Snubbed
Amapiano, one of Africa’s most influential and fastest-growing genres, is glaringly absent from the 2025 Grammy nominations. Despite dominating clubs and streaming charts across the continent, hits like TitoM and Yuppe’s “Tshwala Bam” and Uncle Waffles’ viral “Wadibusa” were overlooked. Critics argue that the Grammys’ focus on Afrobeats fails to reflect Africa’s diverse musical landscape, which includes other impactful genres like South Africa’s amapiano and East Africa’s bongo flava. Even continent-wide hits like Kabza De Small and Mthunzi’s “Imithandazo” didn’t make the cut, raising concerns about whether the nomination process truly honors the full breadth of Africa’s musical influence.
- Afrobeats ≠ All of African Music
The controversy highlights an old debate: Afrobeats, while popular, doesn’t encompass the full diversity of Africa’s soundscape. The term itself has been criticized for grouping various West African styles under a single, commercially viable label.
- Tyla’s Ongoing Grammy Drama
South African star Tyla, who won last year’s inaugural Best African Music Performance award for “Water,” was not nominated this year despite a strong run. Her hit “Jump” was a Billboard Afrobeats chart success, leaving many shocked at her omission.
She has gone on to congratulate Tems upon the latter’s “Best Global Music Album” nomination 
- Ayra Starr Deserved Better
Another surprising snub is Ayra Starr, whose album The Year I Turned 21 was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. With her growing global reach and high-profile performances, many expected her to receive multiple nominations, making her absence all the more puzzling.
- The Popularity vs. Merit Debate
The Grammy nomination process often raises questions about merit versus popularity. While many of the nominated songs are undeniably hits, the focus on Nigerian Afrobeats suggests a preference for already established sounds over innovation from other regions.
- A Call for Better Representation
While it may be unrealistic to expect western awards to fully grasp Africa’s musical diversity, it remains crucial to emphasize this: African music is far more than just Afrobeats. Recognizing genres like amapiano and others would reflect the true, vibrant diversity of the continent’s music scene.
Conclusion
The 2025 Grammy nominations highlight the undeniable global success of Nigerian Afrobeats but also underscore a glaring lack of genre diversity. African music is rich, and it spans far beyond West Africa, and many feel it deserves more comprehensive representation on the world stage. As the conversation around African music evolves, it’s crucial for institutions like the Grammys to recognize and celebrate the full spectrum of the continent’s musical genius.
