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The 2024 Grammy Awards have made history by introducing the Best African Music Performance category, and it’s a massive win for African music.
This new category shines a spotlight on the incredible diversity and influence of African sounds, as it recognizes genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and highlife that carry rich cultural roots and are making waves worldwide.
Usual suspects like Burna Boy, Davido, and Asake are up for nominations, alongside rising stars like Ayra Starr and South Africa’s Tyla. Burna Boy’s “City Boys” and Asake’s amapiano-flavored track “Amapiano” show just how creative and global African music has become. Meanwhile, Tyla, with her viral hit “Water,” is putting the younger generation of African artists on the map.
Beyond recognizing individual artists, this new category also registers Africa’s growing influence on the world stage. African music has taken over streaming platforms and is a huge part of global pop culture now. The Recording Academy creating this category is a clear nod to that impact.
Take Amapiano, for example - a genre born in South Africa that’s been blowing up internationally. With its mix of house beats, African rhythms, jazz, and soulful vibes, it’s impossible not to feel its energy. Songs like Davido’s “UNAVAILABLE” and Tyla’s “Water” have gone viral, dominating TikTok and Instagram, while blending Amapiano with Afrobeats to create even more addictive sounds.
The genre’s popularity has gone beyond borders, dominating festivals and shows popping up in Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Amapiano is doing more than influencing mainstream music - it’s showcasing African culture to the world, much like Afrobeats did before. It’s safe to say Amapiano has cemented itself as one of Africa’s biggest cultural exports right now.