Burna Boy nominated for Grammy Awards; cancels planned South African concert amidst tension

Nigerian music star, Burna Boy, has been nominated for the 62nd Grammy Awards.

His nomination was announced on the Grammy Awards website after months of deliberation. 

Amongst a tall list of local and international contenders, his album, ‘African Giant’ was selected for the Best World Music Album category.

This nomination, his first,  places him in the same category as Seun Anikulapo-Kuti, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti and King Ade who have also been nominated for the prestigious award.

According to organisers, the category is for albums containing at least 51 per cent playing time of new vocal or instrumental world music recordings.

Other nominees in the category are; Queen of African music, Angelique Kidjo, renowned Dutch band, Bokante and Metropole Orkest, Haitians, Nathalie Joachim and Spekral Quartet.

Burna Boy has enjoyed a successful year but for some controversial moments. The most notable was his tweet against South Africans in the wake of xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals.

His tweet sparked heated exchanges with rapper A.K.A with the South African artiste suggesting a ban on him performing in the country.

Despite that, he was billed to perform at the “African Unite” concert slated for November 23rd, but the concert was cancelled after Burna Boy’s withdrawal.

Another rising star who got the nod from the Grammy academy is South African comedian, Trevor Noah. His stand-up special, ‘Trevor Noah: Son of Patricia’ was nominated for Best Comedy Album. It will contend against the likes of talk show host giant Ellen DeGeneres as well as Dave Chappelle.

The winners of the categories will be announced at the event slated for Sunday, January 26th, 2020.

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