Six Grammy milestones Burna Boy has achieved marking him as the inaugural Nigerian artist to accomplish these feats.

Burna Boy stands as the torchbearer for African mainstream music on the global stage, particularly when it comes to the Grammys.

Since bursting onto the international scene in 2018 with the chart-topping single ‘YE,’ Burna Boy has experienced an unparalleled ascent on the global music stage, achieving numerous groundbreaking milestones for Nigeria and Africa at large.

On January 22, 2024, the Afro-fusion sensation was unveiled as one of the performers for the 2024 Grammys ceremony, marking him as the inaugural African artist to grace the live event’s stage. This significant achievement follows the recent inclusion of the African Song Performance category by the Recording Academy, signifying a broader recognition of African music.

Here are six Grammy achievements that make Burna Boy the trailblazer for Nigeria:

1. First Nigerian to Win a Grammy

In 2021, Burna Boy secured his place in history as the first Nigerian artist within the Nigerian music ecosystem to win a Grammy. His Album ‘Twice As Tall’ earned him the coveted Best Global Album award, making him the first African mainstream artist to clinch a Grammy and paving the way for subsequent Nigerian and African nominees.

2. Most Nominations in One Year

At the 2024 Grammy Awards, Burna Boy garnered an impressive four nominations, including Best Global Song Performance, Best African Song Performance, Best Global Album, and Best Melodic Rap Performance. This quartet of nominations is the highest for a Nigerian and African artist in a single year.

3. Nigerian Artist with the Highest Nominations

Burna Boy’s four nominations at the 2024 Grammys elevated his total nominations to ten, setting a new record for the highest number of Grammy nominations received by a Nigerian artist.

4. First Nigerian Lead Artist Outside Global Categories

Burna Boy’s nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance for ‘Sitting’ On Top Of The World’ featuring 21 Savage at the 2024 Grammys positioned him as the first Nigerian and African lead artist to be nominated outside of the global categories.

5. First Nigerian to be Nominated in 5 Consecutive Years

With his four nominations at the 2024 Grammys, Burna Boy achieved the distinction of being the first Nigerian artist to receive Grammy nominations for five consecutive years. His initial nomination came in 2019 for ‘African Giant,’ recognized in the Best Global Album category.

6. First African Artist to Perform at the Grammys Live Event

Scheduled for February 5, 2024, Burna Boy’s announcement as a performer at the Grammys live event establishes him as the first Nigerian and African artist to grace the stage, adding another monumental achievement to his already illustrious career.