The hopes of thousands of Nigerian music fans for a second Grammy for the country this year have been dashed as Angelique Kidjo has beaten Burna Boy to the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album.
Burna Boy had been nominated in the category for his acclaimed album ‘African Giant’.
Although he was up against seasoned Angelique Kidjo, Nathalie Joachim with Spektral Quartet, Bokanté & Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley and, Altin Gün, many fans were certain this would be his year.
It wasn’t to be as the Recording Academy opted to hand Kidjo her fourth Best Contemporary World Music Album gong for her album “Celia”.
Congrats Best World Music Album winner – ‘Celia’ @angeliquekidjo
WATCH: https://t.co/iPjts7zMCt #GRAMMYPremiere #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/RaVI2IjaBm
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) January 26, 2020
Kidjo who sings in more than five languages and whose career has spanned almost four decades was gracious in receiving the award and dedicated it to Burna Boy.
“This is for Burna Boy,” she said, lifting up her award to cheers, and declaring the “African Giant” as part of the new generation of African musicians that are changing the global perception of Africa and its music.
A win for Burna would have made it the second time a Nigerian would be returning home with the Grammy plaque. Sikiru Adepoju is the only Nigerian to have won a Grammy. He won it in 2009 with the “Global Drum Project” a collaborative album with Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
Burna Boy had trended virtually throughout last week as fans, anticipating the awards, took to social media to express their love and support for him.
News that he did not win the award caused another social media frenzy. Check out what some fans had to say below:
Although he didn’t win the #GRAMMYAwards2020, I am very proud of the recognition that @burnaboy has received on the world stage today. Angelique Kidjo dedicating her win to him is the definition of grace and class. Burna is just 28. He will come again. Una know say him special.
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) January 27, 2020
Grammy or No Grammy, Burna boy still remains an African Giant.
— Samuel Mbah (@__Mbah) January 27, 2020
Burna boy didn’t win, all the tweets that I’ve drafted will na go to waste??💔💔#GRAMMYs
— Lamarr ❁ (@Kinglamarr___) January 26, 2020
Burna Boy didn’t win the Grammy, so what? He is a living legend, the African Giant. He will come back stronger and better. Long live King Burna 🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍🦍 #Burnaboy pic.twitter.com/6KEOBREiJH
— MONITORING_SPIRIT (@Sonjoe_Kutuh) January 26, 2020
All respect to Angelique Kidjo’s career longevity and global impact, but wish Burna boy won tonight. Love that she dedicated the album to Burna boy and the new generation of African artists taking the world by storm and taking Africa’s music to the world #GRAMMYAwards2020
— Tola (@adetolaov) January 27, 2020
We’re proud of Burna boy , regardless of him not winning the award today . Africa is honored to have him #GRAMMYs
— Mojola | Spiritual 🦍🦍 (@Mjayjay_) January 27, 2020
Angelique Kidjo is a legend.
Burna Boy is a legend in the making. They’re both deserving and a part of this history https://t.co/5BttYi9Dbf— Ivie Ani (@ivieani) January 27, 2020
Burna Boy made it to a global stage even though he didn't win but he won Africa.
Congratulations to Angelique Kidjo who won and dedicated the Award to Burna!
Africa to the World! #GRAMMYs #Grammys2020 pic.twitter.com/gcE8pLAZ38
— Tosin Olugbenga (@TosinOlugbenga) January 27, 2020
I can still say congratulations to Burna Boy fans & himself especially after this Angelique Kidjo #GRAMMYs
speech.👏🏽pic.twitter.com/4tHmp8yroo— Sir Arthur (@digitaldidan) January 27, 2020
Y'all claiming Burna was robbed, Angelique Kidjo deserved that award.#GRAMMYs is a US award, now look & compare the difference btw "Celia" & "African Giant" on the US Billboard Chart.
Burna was defeated by a Legend, let that sink in not that he was robbed.#GRAMMYLive pic.twitter.com/IIgc1gHttw
— if my tweet pain you, drink sniper (@Sakpo007) January 27, 2020
Grammy or not, Burna being nominated with a legend/mentor like Angelique Kidjo is a big win for him. Still The African Giant. 🦍 #GRAMMYLive pic.twitter.com/Vj8Bs5Zefu
— Militérian (@bagmanzaza) January 27, 2020
As sad as it is that Burna boy didn't win the Grammy, let's dead that narrative of Grammy cheating Africans because Angelique Kidjo is African or Burna boy getting robbed because do you know who TF Angelique Kidjo is?
— Ichie Bullion (@principe_viii) January 27, 2020
Congrats to Burna boy !!! being nominated for Grammy ain’t beans … He’s a winner regardless … Let’s not disrespect legendary Angelique Kidjo please 🙏🏽
— Otunba🩸 (@ManLikeIcey) January 26, 2020
#GRAMMYs Award or not! Oluwa Burna remains The African Giant!
💪🐐👑 pic.twitter.com/obqbq4NOrU
— Sheylex™🇳🇬❁ (@djsheylex) January 26, 2020
Best World Music Album Nominees
“Gece” — Altin Gün
“Celia” — Angelique Kidjo (Winner)
“What Heat” — Bokanté & Metropole Orkest; Jules Buckley
“African Giant” — Burna Boy
“Fanm D’ayiti” — Nathalie Joachim with Spektral Quartet
