Written by: Adela Scotland
Good music is like food for the soul. Complex melodies, with sweet harmonies and a catchy hook, can get anyone moving their feet. What started as the rejection of imperialist norms in Jamaica has turned into a global movement of cultural resistance. Similarly, Afrobeat a powerful combination of West African and Black American music has recently shaken mainstream music. Nigerian artist Fela Kuti is credited with the creation of this genre.
The Grammy awards are regarded as the pinnacle of success in the music industry with its 65th Annual Awards scheduled for February 5th, 2023. The Grammy Nominees for the best Reggae albums are well deserving of the recognition. since these artists have achieved more than 50% playing time of other new reggae albums. The nominees are:
“Gifted” by Koffee, “Scorcha” by Sean Paul, “Third Times the Charm” by Protoje, and “Com Fly Wid Mi” by Shaggy.
The artists mentioned above are no strangers to the spotlight, but only one of them can take home the Grammy. Who do you think that would be? Which album really gets you in your feels?
2022 has been an astounding year for Afrobeats as many singers have successfully penetrated mainstream music. Unfortunately, as of 2022, there is no individual category for Afrobeats artists. However, if a song or album from these artists is successful enough they can be nominated under the Global music category. Under the Best Global Music Performance, two Afrocentric songs have been nominated along with one Reggae song. The Reggae song is “Neva Bow Down” by Rocky Dawuni. The two Afrobeat songs are “Bayethe” by Nomcebo Zikode (of Jerusalema frame), featuring Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini. The other nominee is the international hit “Last Last” by Burna boy. Which song is your pick to win? Furthermore, in the Best Global Music Album Category Burna Boy has secured a nomination with “Love Damini”. Are you rooting for Burna Boy to take home the Grammy? Or does another album have your heart?
Hashtags #2023GrammyAwards #SeanPaul #Proteje #BurnaBoy#shaggy #BestReggaeAlbum #Nomcebo #GlobalMusicAward
References
Grammy. Com https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list
Britannica. Com https://www.britannica.com/art/reggae
MasterClass.com https://www.masterclass.com/articles/afrobeat-music-guide
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