Success is defined in different forms, but awards have always been seen as a pinnacle of success for many. Over the years, Grammy nominations have stopped being novel to Nigerian creators. As far back as 1983, King Sunny Ade received a nomination for Syncro System, making him the first Nigerian to be nominated. Since then, the likes of Burna and Wizkid have received nominations in different categories including the Global Music Award.
In this increasing pool of Grammy Nominated Nigerians, it is important to highlight the Nigerian Women who have been recognised by the Academy.
1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2015)
Celebrated author and literary icon, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, won a Grammy as a credited artist on Beyoncé’s self-titled album released in 2013. Adichie’s popular speech, We Should All Be Feminists, was sampled by Beyoncé on Flawless. The album was nominated in the Album Of The Year Category at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
2. Kah-Lo (2017)
Singer-songwriter, Kah-Lo, received a Grammy nomination for her work with British DJ, DJ Riton. Riton and Kah-Lo put out Rinse & Repeat, a 2016 single which charted on the UK charts. The single was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
3. Cynthia Erivo (2017 & 2021)
British Nigerian singer, and songwriter Cynthia Erivo received an award for Best Musical Theater Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards for her contribution to The Color Purple. Cynthia plays Celie in the Broadway musical. In 2021, Cynthia Erivo’s Stand Up was nominated for a Grammy award for Best Song Written For Visual Media. The song is a track on the 2019 award-winning movie Harriet directed by Kasi Lemmons.
4. Tiwa Savage (2019)
Nigerian singer, songwriter and overall African Bad gyal, Tiwa Savage received a Grammy nomination for her contribution to Coldplay’s Everyday Life. Tiwa is featured with her biting vocals on Coldplay’s song Eko. The album was nominated for album of the year.
5. Jen Nkiru (2021)
The British-Nigerian filmmaker and director, Jen Nkiru was awarded a Grammy for Best Music Video at the 2021 Annual Grammy Awards ceremony. Jen Nkiru directed Beyonce’s inspirational Brown Skin Girl music video.
6. Tems (2023)
Tems received her first Grammy nomination at the 2022 Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance on Wizkid’s Essence featuring Tems and Justine Bieber.
Leader of the Rebel gang, received 3 Grammy nominations at the 2023 Annual Grammy Awards. The nominations are Beyonce’s Renaissance for Album of the year where Tems is credited as a songwriter, Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s Wait For U track with Drake. Future’s “Wait For U” received the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, making it Tems’ first Grammy award.
Honorable mention goes to British Nigerian Icon Sade Adu, who has received 9 Grammy Nominations and 4 Awards.