The Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance made its debut at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024. Its aim: To recognize the rich tapestry of African musical talent. This award is a sister category to the Best Global Music Performance which was introduced by the Academy to honor outstanding African music performances and to celebrate the continent's unique soundscapes.
The Recording Academy aimed to limelight various musical expressions from Africa, drawing its attention to regional melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic traditions. This was announced in June 2023. In short, the award is designed to honor not just popular music, but a wide array of genres, showcasing the liveliness of African artistry.
The excitement surrounding this category has reached new heights as of 2025. Nigerian superstar Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, clinched the award for her charming track "Love Me JeJe" on 2nd February 2025. South African star Tyla was first to win the all-new Best African Music Performance awards at the 2024 Grammys with her music, “Water”.
The African Grammys’ journey to this momentous occasion traces back to 1966 when South African legend Miriam Makeba became the first African artist to win a Grammy Award. Since then, the landscape has evolved, with artists like Wizkid — who won the Best Music Video, and Burna Boy — who won the Best Global Music Album in the 63rd Grammys edition and now Tems.
The world is reminded of the rich cultural heritage and innovative sounds that Africa has to offer as the Best African Music Performance category continues to develop.
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