Artists with Nigerian Backgrounds Who Have Won the Grammy

Nigeria has always been known for its vibrant music scene, and in recent years, Nigerian musicians have made their mark on the global stage as well as winning a Grammy award.

These artists of Nigerian descent have won the prestigious Grammy Award, which showed their exceptional talent and the global appeal of their music. Here are some of these Grammy-winning artists who have roots in Nigeria.

Sade Adu

Helen Folasade Adu, widely known as Sade Adu, was the first Nigerian to win a Grammy Award. Born to a Nigerian father and a British mother, Sade’s smooth, soulful voice made her an international sensation. 

She won her first Grammy in 1986, taking home the Best New Artist award. Over the years, she has won four Grammys, with her timeless hits like No Ordinary Love and Soldier of Love earning her recognition in the Best R&B Performance category as well.

Seal

Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, better known as Seal, is another Nigerian-British artist who has found immense success on the global stage. With four Grammy Awards to his name, Seal became a household name thanks to his hit song Kiss from a Rose. In 1996, he took home three Grammy Awards in one night, including Record of the Year, solidifying his place in music history.

Sikiru Adepoju

While Afrobeat dominates the global conversation, Nigerian percussionist Sikiru Adepoju has also carved out his place in Grammy history. Adepoju’s mastery of the talking drum helped him win a Grammy in 2009 as part of the Global Drum Project. 

This collaboration, featuring renowned drummers Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain, and Giovanni Hidalgo, won the Best Contemporary World Music Album award.

Babatunde Olatunji

Before Afrobeat gained worldwide popularity, Babatunde Olatunji was already a star in the world of percussion. Born in Nigeria, Olatunji’s innovative drumming style earned him a Grammy Award in 1991 for his album Planet Drum, a collaborative effort with Mickey Hart. Olatunji’s contribution to world music is still celebrated today.

Kevin Olusola

Kevin Olusola, known for his extraordinary beatboxing skills, is a member of the a cappella group Pentatonix. Olusola’s Nigerian heritage has played a part in his success, as he and his group have won multiple Grammy Awards over the years. His musical talents have made him one of the Nigerian-rooted artists excelling in a variety of music genres.

Chamillionaire

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 with his hit song Ridin’, which featured Krayzie Bone. His Grammy win helped cement his legacy in the hip-hop industry and highlighted the global reach of Nigerian talent.

Burna Boy

Burna Boy is one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Nigeria in recent years. Born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, Burna Boy earned his first Grammy in 2021 when his album Twice as Tall won the Best Global Music Album award. Though he was nominated before for his album African Giant, it was his follow-up that cemented his place in Grammy history as a true global star.

Wizkid

Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, also claimed his first Grammy in 2021. He won the Best Music Video award for his collaboration with Beyoncé on the song Brown Skin Girl. This track, which celebrates Black beauty and identity, helped Wizkid shine on the global stage, further solidifying his influence as one of the biggest stars in Afrobeat.

Tems

Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, made history in 2023. She won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future and Drake’s Wait for U. This marked a huge milestone in her career, showcasing that Nigerian women are claiming their space in the global music scene.