British model; Naomi Campbell, has aired her opinion on the turn of events following the 2020 GRAMMY Awards. The prestigious ceremony which held on Sunday 26 January 2020 recorded a number of wins, as well as ‘disappointments’. While some single-handedly snagged 5 awards that night; others, well, looked forward to subsequent wins.
One of such disappointments was Burna Boy’s loss in the ‘Best World Music Album’ category. Prior to the event, we had our hopes really high that the African Giant was “bringing home the Grammys”. However, Angelique Kidjo; the Beninese musician who sings in about 5 languages, effortlessly swept the category.
In what appears like an open letter, Naomi Campbell has challenged the myopic idiosyncrasy of the Recording Academy. This is what we mean: Naomi Campbell has argued that the fusion of Burna Boy’s album in the world Music’ category does not do justice to its Africanness. By and large, the emerging African sound; ‘Afrobeats’, deserves a more profound; international reputation.
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First, I want to say deepest congratulations to @angeliquekidjo for her award on Sunday, and thank you to you for spreading light and opening minds through your music… • And to our AFRICAN GIANT, @burnaboygram… it is only due to lack of education that you have not been honored with the accolades you so truly deserve. You are always a winner in our hearts. ALWAYS. • And to The @RecordingAcademy, There is something that brings joy, strength and happiness to myself, and to so many people that hear it, and it is called Afrobeats. Afrobeats is a musical genre played on mainstream and primetime radio not only across the continent of Africa, but across the world… • Recently, the genre was categorized into your ‘World Music’ category at the 2020 Grammys. This misrepresentation diminishes an entire genre in which such a high standard of talent has emerged; a genre that has been a force of hope and positivity for many, and a vehicle for artistry on the continent of Africa. • Please take the next 363 days to reassess and reflect on your perspective of ‘World Music.’ Did the world get to vote for this award, or was it only the people in the United States a part of The Recording Academy? What will this neglectful categorization of music mean to individual cultures? Cultures who contribute their blood, sweat and tears, and every level of their creativity and work ethic into making music for YOU and for all of us. • Please get up to speed on the state of all popular music today, and include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves – just as any other respected and recognized musical genre. • This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve. #ForTheCulture #NAOMIAFRICA #grammys
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