The Grammys are considering adding an Afrobeats category to the ceremony. They would be the first time a Grammy has ever given out a single category in an African-American music category. The category would need a big name artist to be given the prize of the gramophone and in order to make it relevant it would have to address the needs of the black community. But this would be a controversial move. As one who has not been able to see the point in even a token Afrobeats category on the Grammy awards show, I would like to understand where the logic for the inclusion and recognition for the genre lies.
The category would need a big name artist to be given the prize of the gramophone and in order to make it relevant it would have to address the needs of the black community. But this would be a controversial move. As one who has not been able to see the point in even a token Afrobeats category on the Grammy awards show, I would like to understand where the logic for the inclusion and recognition for the genre lies.
In short, to receive a Grammy in that category, you need the entire black community in support–not just a few white people. Afrobeats will not gain acceptance by ignoring the needs of its own. When it comes to black music, the world sees a white artist. Black music, on the other hand, is recognized only when it is acknowledged by other black musicians. The Grammy’s have always recognized the diversity and talent of black music, but the rest of the world is so dominated by white artists, that a category dedicated solely to the genre will not have a chance in hell.
Here’s a sampling of black artists and the Grammy awards they have received — the ones who are black artists:
Erykah Badu: She has had two nominations in the category, one for Best New Artist and one for Best Rap Performance, losing both
The Roots: Three nominations, including one for Best Rap Performance, which they lost
Alicia Keys: three
Prince: He won Best New Artist in 1998, Best Rap Performance in 1997 and Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2002 for his debut album, Purple Rain
Sly and the Family Stone: Two nominations
Jazz Cartier: Three
Jodeci: One
Tracey Edmonds: Zero
Muddy Waters: Two
