Nine Nigerian-Rooted Artists Who Have Won Grammy Awards
By Musa Adekunle
02 February 2025 | 8:23 am
Nigeria’s music scene has steadily gained global recognition, with several artists of Nigerian heritage clinching the prestigious Grammy Award, one of the highest honors in the entertainment industry. Over the years, Nigerian-rooted musicians have displayed their remarkable talent and earned Grammys across various categories.
Here are the Nigerian-rooted artists who have won the coveted Grammy Award:
Sade Adu – The First Nigerian Grammy Winner
Helen Folasade Adu, widely known as Sade Adu, made history as the first Nigerian to win a Grammy. The Nigerian-British singer, famous for her smooth and soulful voice, has been awarded four Grammys in her career. She won her first Grammy in 1986, taking home the Best New Artist award. With timeless hits like No Ordinary Love and Soldier of Love, Sade has also earned accolades in the Best R&B Performance category.
Seal – A Grammy Giant
Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, better known as Seal, is another Nigerian-British artist who has found international success. Seal has won four Grammy Awards, and his iconic 1996 hit Kiss from a Rose brought him three Grammy wins in a single night, including Record of the Year.
Sikiru Adepoju – The Drum Maestro
Although Afrobeat dominates much of the conversation, Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju has carved out his own Grammy legacy. In 2009, Adepoju earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary World Music Album as a member of the Global Drum Project, a collaboration with Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, and Giovanni Hidalgo.
Burna Boy – The African Giant’s Grammy Triumph
Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, solidified his place in Grammy history with his 2021 win for Best Global Music Album for Twice as Tall. Although his album African Giant had previously earned him a nomination, Twice as Tall marked Burna Boy’s first Grammy win, making him one of the biggest stars of his generation.
Wizkid – The Starboy Shines Bright at the Grammys
Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, also known as Wizkid, won his first Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video, thanks to his collaboration with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl. The song, which celebrates Black beauty, was a defining moment in Wizkid’s career, highlighting his influence in bringing Afrobeat to the global stage.
Tems – A Groundbreaking Moment for Nigerian Women
In 2023, Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, made history by winning the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for her contribution to Future and Drake’s hit Wait for U. Her win marked a significant milestone for Nigerian women in the international music scene, demonstrating their growing impact.
Kevin Olusola – The Beatboxing Sensation
Kevin Olusola, a Nigerian-rooted musician, is best known as a member of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. Olusola’s extraordinary beatboxing and vocal talent have helped the group win multiple Grammy Awards, proving the versatility of Nigerian-rooted artists across diverse music genres.
Babatunde Olatunji – The Drumming Pioneer
Before Afrobeat achieved global fame, Babatunde Olatunji was already a recognized master of percussion. The Nigerian-born artist won a Grammy in 1991 for Best World Music Album with Planet Drum, a collaborative project with Mickey Hart.
Chamillionaire – The Grammy-Winning Rapper of Nigerian Descent
Hakeem Temidayo Seriki, better known as Chamillionaire, is an American rapper of Nigerian descent. In 2007, he won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his hit Ridin’, featuring Krayzie Bone. This win cemented his place in hip-hop history.
