Here’s a list of African artists who have won Grammy Awards over the years, celebrating the continent’s rich and diverse contributions to global music. These artists have either won as individuals, as part of collaborations, or for their featured roles in Grammy-winning projects
1. Miriam Makeba (South Africa)
Award: Best Folk Recording (1966)
Winning Work: An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba
Miriam Makeba, also known as “Mama Africa,” became the first African to win a Grammy, sharing the award with Harry Belafonte for their album addressing apartheid in South Africa.
2. Hugh Masekela (South Africa)
Award: Best Contemporary Instrumental Performance (2013)
Winning Work: Zententsheni Madoda
Masekela, a legendary jazz trumpeter and anti-apartheid activist, was celebrated for his impactful instrumental performances.
3. Angelique Kidjo (Benin)
Awards:
Best World Music Album (2008, 2015, 2016, 2020)
Best Global Music Album (2022)
Winning Works: Djin Djin, Eve, Sings, Celia, Mother Nature
Angelique Kidjo is one of Africa’s most decorated Grammy winners, known for her fusion of traditional African music with global genres.
4. Burna Boy (Nigeria)
Award: Best Global Music Album (2021)
Winning Work: Twice As Tall
Burna Boy made history with his win, cementing his place as a leader in the Afrobeat genre.
5. Wizkid (Nigeria)
Award: Best Music Video (2021)
Winning Work: Brown Skin Girl (with Beyoncé and Blue Ivy)
Wizkid won for his contribution to Beyoncé’s visually stunning music video celebrating Black beauty and culture.
6. Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa)
Awards:
Best Traditional Folk Album (1988)
Best World Music Album (2004, 2009, 2013)
Winning Works: Shaka Zulu, Raise Your Spirit Higher, Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu, Singing for Peace Around the World
The iconic South African group has won multiple Grammys for their rich harmonies and promotion of Zulu music.
7. Soweto Gospel Choir (South Africa)
Awards: Best Traditional World Music Album (2007, 2008), Best World Music Album (2019)
Winning Works: Blessed, African Spirit, Freedom
Renowned for their vibrant and uplifting performances, the Soweto Gospel Choir has brought South African gospel music to the world stage.
8. Ali Farka Touré (Mali)
Awards:
Best World Music Album (1994, 2006)
Winning Works: Talking Timbuktu (with Ry Cooder), In the Heart of the Moon (with Toumani Diabaté)
A pioneer of Malian blues, Ali Farka Touré is celebrated for bridging African and Western music traditions.
9. Tinariwen (Mali)
Award: Best World Music Album (2012)
Winning Work: Tassili
Tinariwen, a band of Tuareg musicians, won for their distinctive desert blues style, blending traditional African rhythms with modern rock influences.
10. Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)
Award: Best Contemporary World Music Album (2005)
Winning Work: Egypt
Youssou N’Dour received a Grammy for his album celebrating Islamic culture and Senegalese traditions.
11. Black Coffee (South Africa)
Award: Best Dance/Electronic Album (2022)
Winning Work: Subconsciously
Black Coffee made history as the first African DJ to win a Grammy, solidifying his influence in the global electronic music scene.
12. Femi Kuti (Nigeria)
Award: Grammy Nominations (Multiple; Collaboration with other artists like Angelique Kidjo, Afrobeat production in decades).
Additional Pending Adjustments
Femi Kuti has received multiple Grammy nominations for his Afrobeat albums but has yet to secure a win. Let me clarify and continue with the accurate list.
13. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (Nigeria)
Award: Nominated for Best World Music Album (2018)
While not a winner yet, Seun Kuti’s contributions to the Afrobeat legacy earned him a Grammy nomination, a significant feat for the genre.
14. Oumou Sangaré (Mali)
Award: Featured Contribution to Grammy-winning Albums
Oumou Sangaré’s work in global collaborations has brought Malian Wassoulou music to Grammy recognition.
15. Baaba Maal (Senegal)
Award: Grammy Contribution through collaborations like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Baaba Maal’s haunting vocals and soundtracks are part of Grammy-winning albums or features, tying his artistry with global success.
This list highlights how African artists have continually pushed boundaries to gain global recognition at the Grammy Awards. Their diverse musical styles, from Afrobeat to desert blues, showcase the depth and richness of African music on the world stage.
Source: Jamsgh.com
