Burna Boy Makes Grammy History: Dazzling Performance, Unforgettable Night

From "City Boys" to unexpected collaborations, Burna Boy redefines "Music's Biggest Night.”

Burna Boy Makes Grammy History: Dazzling Performance, Unforgettable Night

From "City Boys" to unexpected collaborations, Burna Boy redefines "Music's Biggest Night.”

Music
September 16, 2024
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At the pinnacle of the music world's grandest stage, Burna Boy, the acclaimed Afrobeats sensation, transported a slice of his native Nigeria to the Crypto.com Arena.

Adorned in resplendent attire, the Nigerian icon swayed amidst a sea of performers and vibrant scenery. His electrifying performance showcased several of his acclaimed works, including "On Form," "City Boys," and "Sitting On Top Of The World," the latter featuring a mesmerizing collaboration with Brandy and 21 Savage.

The momentary spotlight on his single "City Boys" seamlessly transitioned into Brandy's soul-stirring rendition, highlighting the timeless essence of her 1998 hit "Top of the World," which served as the perfect muse for Burna Boy's "Sittin’ on Top of the World." With a captivating guest verse from 21 Savage, the trio delivered a revamped version with unparalleled flair, as Burna Boy crooned: "I pull up in my high fashion, every light flashing."

Stepping into the 2024 GRAMMYs with four nominations, including nods for Best Global Music Album (I Told Them...), Best Global Music Performance ("Alone"), and Best Melodic Rap Performance ("Sittin' on Top of the World"), Burna Boy solidified his status as a musical powerhouse. Additionally, his nomination in the inaugural Best African Music Performance Category ("City Boys") marked a significant milestone in the event's history. Notably, Burna Boy is no stranger to GRAMMY success, having previously clinched the Best Global Music Album award for his 2020 masterpiece Twice as Tall, a historic achievement that established him as the first male Nigerian artist to receive the prestigious honor.

As a torchbearer of Afro-fusion, Burna Boy seamlessly blends the legacies of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti with elements of American hip-hop and R&B. His latest album, I Told Them…, features collaborations with luminaries such as J. Cole, the Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA and RZA, and 21 Savage, showcasing his versatility and cross-cultural appeal. The album soared to the top of the UK Albums chart, marking Burna Boy's first No. 1 album and a groundbreaking moment for international Afrobeats artists. Additionally, I Told Them… dominated the UK R&B Albums chart, underscoring Burna Boy's influence on global music trends.

In a year filled with groundbreaking achievements, Burna Boy continued to break barriers. In June, he made history as the first Nigerian artist to headline a US stadium show at New York City’s Citi Field. A month later, he captivated audiences as the first African artist to headline a UK stadium show at London Stadium, further solidifying his status as a global phenomenon.

Before embarking on his highly anticipated tour next month, Burna Boy is set to make a guest appearance on Usher’s forthcoming album, Coming Home, adding yet another chapter to his illustrious musical journey.

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