Onyeka 
Nigerian superstar, Wizkid is up for two awards- Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Album when the 2022 Grammys go down tonight.
However, he will face fierce competition from several other African, Asian, and Middle Eastern musical stalwarts including fellow countrymen Burna Boy and Femi Kuti, not forgetting the legendary Angelique Kidjo, who will compete with Wizkid in the two aforementioned categories.
Crazy things happen at the Grammys every year, shocking snubs and nods have already preceded this year’s award, and with more set to come tonight, we look at which acts and performances will likely win the Best Global Music Performance and the Best Global Music Album categories.
Will it be Wizkid? Guess we’ll find out soon enough.
Best Global Music Performance
Arooj Aftab – “Mohabbat”
Angélique Kidjo & Burna Boy – “Do Yourself”
Femi Kuti – “Pà Pá Pà”
Yo-Yo Ma & Angélique Kidjo – “Blewu”
Wizkid – “Essence” [ft. Tems]
Will win: Yo-Yo Ma & Angélique Kidjo – “Blewu”
Should win: Wizkid – “Essence” [ft. Tems]
The Grammys expanded its “global” music catalogue by adding the Best Global Music Performance, in addition to the Best Global Album award. Whether the new category has any major critical implications is unclear, given the nominees, because good music will always transcend boarders and should not boxed. However, the addition certainly increases the global appeal of the Grammys and makes a case for inclusion.
Wizkid and Tem’s “Essence” although originally from Nigeria and Africa, sold more than 500K copies in the US alone, is platinum certified by RIIA, and reached the Hot 100 top 10 but rather than being nominated in the Record of the year category as reiterated by many musicians and fans, it is up for the Best Global Music Performance award, and it feels like a mere compensation.
With its Afrobeats-R&B hybrid, “Essence” helped chart a new future in pop music, and it would make a more-than-worthy winner.
However, don’t be surprised if the Grammys stick to those they’ve long celebrated; veteran Beninese singer, and double-nominee Angélique Kidjo.
Best Global Music Album
- Rocky Dawuni – Voice Of Bunbon, Vol. 1
- Daniel Ho & Friends – East West Players Presents: Daniel Ho & Friends Live In Concert
- Angelique Kidjo – Mother Nature
- Femi Kuti And Made Kuti – Legacy +
- WizKid – Made In Lagos: Deluxe Edition
Will win: Wizkid – Made In Lagos
Should win: – Wizkid Made In Lagos
Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) is the second issue of Wizkid’s fourth studio album, Made In Lagos. Four new tracks- “Mood,” where he’s joined by rising Afrofusion singer Buju; “Anoti”; “Steady”; and a remix of his collab with Tems, “Essence,” which also enlists Justin Bieber.
With Made In Lagos, Wizkid and Afrobeats reached new heights, cementing his place as as one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural ambassadors and placed him at the vanguard of a global Afrobeats wave.
Although he is up against fellow countryman Femi Kuti, and of course, 61-year-old Beninese singer Anjelique Kidjo who holds the record for the most nominations in this category, there is no reason Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) shouldn’t win.
The album, a beautifully crafted body or art, typifies everything we expect the category to stand for. And those who think it should have been up for album of the year if not for race definitely have a strong case.
Can Wizkid win the two categories?
Deserved wins it would be if Wizkid walks away with two shinny megaphones tonight at the MGM Theatre.
One win might seem like a major victory, given the hype surrounding winning a Grammy award, but in truth, two wins is merely justice taking its full course.
What are your predictions for the 2022 Grammys?
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings