A Rise in International Recognition for Nigerian Music is a Remarkable Sign of Dominance in Africa

Nigerian music is currently enjoying its most glorious period, but from all indications, its only the beginning.

by Onyeka November 25, 2021, 7:09 pm 2.4k Views

Wizkid finally became acknowledged as an individual artist by the American Recording Academy, following his double nomination for music’s most coveted laurel, the Grammy Awards.

The strong commercial and critical rally by his fourth studio album Made In Lagos, inspired by the sensational record Essence, which many people have touted as the best song of 2021, means that Wizkid is arguably the outright favourite to walk away with the Best Global Music Album award. However, he will face off with fellow countryman, Made Kuti.

This year, it was Burna Boy who won the award after consecutive nominations in 2020 and 2021. It might be one Nigerian passing the baton to another next year- which would be a remarkable showing of ascendance by Nigerians in the African Music Industry.

Buoyed by abundance of raw talent in a population of over 200 million people and brilliant application of technology, Nigeria and Nigerians are primed to continue this new trend of dominance in the foreseeable future and it doesn’t flatter the current crop of musicians within the country. They are sensational.

Other things have also contributed to the success of the industry such as significant increase in investment, better artist management, and a reduction in piracy.

Of course, Angelique Kidjo, the Beninese songstress, and a master of the art of singing, will always be in the conversation of the best African musicians as far as the Grammy Awards is concerned, but at 61, the younger generation can only look at her as an inspiration.

Wizkid and Kidjo will go head to head in the two categories the Nigerian musician is nominated for- Best Global Music Performance (Essence) and Best Global Music Album (Made In Lagos Deluxe), and both of them are arguably the biggest favourites to walk away with both awards.

However, if he (Wizkid) eventually emerges the winner of the Best Global Music Album award, repeating Burna Boys feat from the previous edition, then truly, Nigerian music is indeed at its pinnacle and long may it continue.