For so many years, the Grammy Awards have stood as the highest recognition in the global music industry; a symbol of artistry, influence, and excellence. While Nigerian music has long been admired across Africa, the journey to global acknowledgement through the Grammys tells a story of perseverance, evolution, and cultural pride.
From the early years when the world first noticed the soft-spoken elegance of Sade Adu, to the explosive Afrobeats era dominated by Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems, Nigerian artists have carved their names into music history one milestone at a time.
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Sade Adu
The story of Nigeria’s Grammy legacy begins with Helen Folasade Adu, better known as Sade Adu. Born in Ibadan and raised in the United Kingdom, Sade emerged in the early 1980s as the lead singer of the band Sade.
Her distinct blend of soul, jazz, and R&B set her apart, and in 1986, she became the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy Award. The band’s victory for Best New Artist marked a groundbreaking moment; not just for Sade, but for African-born artists across the diaspora.
Over the years, Sade’s artistry earned her more accolades. In 1994, her hit song No Ordinary Love earned another Grammy, while her albums Lovers Rock (2002) and Soldier of Love (2011) both brought home more wins.
Sade’s subtle yet powerful approach to music; blending emotional storytelling with smooth instrumentation laid a foundation for Nigerian musicians who would later seek global acclaim. She proved that an artist of Nigerian heritage could be sophisticated, soulful, and universally adored.
2. Seal (The Nigerian-British Citizen)
Following in Sade’s footsteps, another artist with Nigerian roots rose to international fame. Seal, born Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel. Though his career flourished in the United Kingdom, his heritage has always been an important part of his story. Seal’s powerful voice and emotive songwriting made him one of the most recognized global artists of the 1990s.
His song Kiss from a Rose, released in 1994, became a timeless anthem and earned him three Grammy Awards in 1996, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Seal’s success represented a different kind of Nigerian influence, not through Afrobeats or traditional rhythms, but through global pop and soul. He showed that artists of Nigerian descent could dominate the international mainstream, not just niche genres.
His success also expanded the perception of what Nigerian music identity could look like.. modern, diverse, and globally resonant.
3. Sikiru Adepoju
While Sade and Seal represented a diasporic and pop influence, percussionist Sikiru Adepoju brought traditional Nigerian sound to the Grammy stage. A master of the talking drum, Adepoju worked with international musicians such as Mickey Hart and the Grateful Dead.
His collaborations in world music introduced authentic Yoruba percussion to new audiences. In 1991, Adepoju was part of the ensemble that won the Grammy for Best World Music Album with Planet Drum. He won again in 2009 with Global Drum Project, celebrating rhythmic fusion between African and Western sounds.
Adepoju’s recognition remains a powerful reminder that Nigeria’s musical heritage is worthy of global respect. Long before Afrobeats took over streaming platforms, musicians like him were proving that African sound was universal.
4. Lekan Babalola
Another name that deserves recognition is Lekan Babalola, a Nigerian jazz percussionist whose rhythmic expertise has graced international collaborations. In 2006, Babalola earned a Grammy for his contribution to In the Heart of the Moon; a project that celebrated African instrumentation and jazz improvisation.
His win quietly reinforced the truth that Nigerian musicians are among the most gifted in rhythm and percussion. Babalola’s Grammy success showed that even away from the spotlight of pop stardom, Nigerian artistry continues to win respect in serious musical spaces.
5. Burna Boy
Fast forward to the 2020s, and Burna Boy’s name dominates conversations about global African music. Born Damini Ogulu in Port Harcourt, Burna Boy became one of the first Nigerian artists to earn a Grammy as a lead performer in a contemporary category.
His album Twice as Tall won Best Global Music Album at the 2021 Grammys, confirming his self-proclaimed title as the “African Giant.” Burna Boy’s win was not just a personal victory but also a turning point for the entire Afrobeats movement.
For years, Nigerian artists had dominated Africa and diaspora communities, but the Grammys represented global validation. Burna’s music, rich with African rhythms, Fela Kuti influences, and socially conscious lyrics, bridged the gap between local and international audiences. He also helped prove that African music can thrive without conforming to Western trends.
6. Wizkid
Another major milestone came the same year when Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, shared in a Grammy win for his contribution to Brown Skin Girl, a song from Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album.
The track won Best Music Video at the 2021 Grammy Awards. Wizkid’s soft delivery and melodic approach showcased how Afrobeats had become a global sound.
Though the win came through collaboration, Wizkid’s influence was undeniable. His artistry had already reshaped how the world viewed African pop. He demonstrated that Nigerian artists could dominate global charts while maintaining their identity, style, and sound.
The Starboy’s success also inspired a new generation of performers aiming for international crossover appeal.
7. Tems
In recent years, Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, has also become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated exports. Her soothing voice, emotional depth, and versatility quickly made her an international favorite.
In 2023, Tems won her first Grammy Award for her contribution to Wait For U by Future and Drake, which won Best Melodic Rap Performance. In 2025, she won again for Love Me JeJe, under the newly created category for Best African Music Performance.
Tems’s rise represents a generational shift in Nigerian music; one where women take center stage in global recognition. Her success is a symbol of how far Nigerian music has come and how inclusive it has become. From her soulful beginnings to her Grammy wins, Tems stands as a beacon for young female artists who dream of international acclaim.
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Looking at this timeline; from Sade Adu in 1986 to Tems in 2025, it is clear that Nigeria’s music journey at the Grammys mirrors the country’s creative evolution. It started with diaspora influences, expanded through traditional percussionists, and now thrives in the global Afrobeats era. What was once a distant dream has become a recurring reality.
Nigeria’s Grammy history is also reshaping how the world sees African creativity. Today, global music executives recognize Nigeria not just as a market but as a creative powerhouse. The rise of categories like “Best African Music Performance” at the Grammys is proof of the continent’s growing importance in shaping global sound.
These achievements have also inspired countless young Nigerian artists. For many, the dream is no longer just to be played on local radio stations but to be streamed worldwide, nominated for Grammys, and celebrated alongside international peers. Each win pushes open another door, creating opportunities for collaboration, investment, and recognition.
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