One of Nigeria’s most talented musicians, Wizkid is in contention for a Grammy, one of the world’s most respected music awards for his role in U.S. rapper Drake’s 2016 album, Views, nominated for Best Album. Wizkid is the only Nigerian in contention for an award at the 59th Grammy’s.
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, who is better known by his stage name Wizkid, is widely considered to be among Nigeria’s incredibly talented entertainers and producers. Wizkid’s popularity has grown remarkably fast, and he now dominates Nigeria’s music industry. The artist has managed to build a wide following on the African continent.
The artist has performed, and collaborated with numerous artists from around the world, and continues to cement his reputation as one of Africa’s most gifted artists.
Four times Grammy winner, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a celebrated South African band received a nomination (Best World Music Album) for the album Walking In The Footsteps Of Our Fathers, and South African born pianist Kristian Bezuidenhout is also in contention for an award.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, won the Grammy award in 1988, for Shaka Zulu; in 2004, for Raise Your Spirit Higher; in 2009, for Ilembe and in 2013, for Singing For Peace Around The World. The band said it’s “honoured” to receive a nomination this year.
The 59th edition of the Grammy’s has 84 categories. The awards ceremony will be held on 12 February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
This year, Benin and African superstar Angelique Kidjo won her third “Best World Music Album” Grammy award for her album Sings at the 58th Grammy’s. To bag the coveted gong, Kidjo shrugged off stiff competition from Malawi’s Zomba Prison Project, Brazilian superstar, Gilberto Gil, South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and India’s Anoushka Shankar.
See full list of nominees here.
