Topline
Renowned South African artist, DJ and music producer Nkosinathi Maphumulo, popularly known as DJ Black Coffee, won his first-ever Grammy award at the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas last night. Also representing Africa was Beninese singer-songwriter, Angélique Kidjo.
Key Facts
After being postponed once again, the 64th Grammy Awards was held as an in-person event on April 3 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. For a second year in a row, the awards show was hosted by South African comedian and The Daily Show host, Trevor Noah.
Maphumulo took home his first Grammy in the category Best Dance/Electronic Album for his studio album Subconsciously. The artist was up against other big names in electronic music like Major Lazer, Marshmello and Ten City, just to name a few.
In his acceptance speech, Maphumulo said that he was grateful for God, his fans and his family for believing in him.
“I want to thank God for the gift of music and being able to share it with the world and heal souls and help people go through whatever they’re going through in life,” he said.
Angélique Kidjo took home her fifth-ever Grammy award last night when she won Best Global Music Album for her album Mother Nature. The renowned singer went up against Nigerian artists, Wizkid (Deluxe) and Femi Kuti and Ghanian singer/songwriter Rocky Dawuni.
The artist practically ran to the stage last night to give her acceptance speech starting with “Oh my God!”
“This award was made possible when Grammy said that young musicians from Africa are going to take the world by storm and I am going to take my time to thank them,” she said in her speech thanking artists like Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, to name a few.
“And all of you fans out there that are music-lovers that are always there when we needed you to just listen… And from that point we move forward, we are all Africans,” said Kidjo, who in March was also the recipient of the 2022 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Entertainer Award.
Other Big Wins *Winners according to the Recording Acadamy: Grammy Award.
Record Of The Year
· “I Still Have Faith In You,” ABBA
· “Freedom,” Jon Batiste
· “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
· “Peaches,” Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
· “Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile
· “Kiss Me More,” Doja Kat feat. SZA
· “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish
· “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X
· “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo
· WINNER: “Leave The Door Open,” Silk Sonic
Album Of The Year
· WINNER: We Are-Jon Batiste
· Love For Sale- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
· Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe)-Justin Bieber
· Planet Her (Deluxe)-Doja Cat
· Happier Than Ever-Billie Eilish
· Back Of My Mind-H.E.R.
· Montero- Lil Nas X
· Sour- Olivia Rodrigo
· Evermore-Taylor Swift
· Donda-Kanye West
Song Of The Year:
· “Bad Habits,” Ed Sheeran
· “A Beautiful Noise,” Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile
· “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo
· “Fight For You,” H.E.R.
· “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish
· “Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA
· WINNER: “Leave The Door Open,” Silk Sonic
· “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X
· “Peaches,” Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon
· “Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile
Best New Artist:
· Aarook Aftab
· Jimmie Allen
· Baby Keem
· Finneas
· Glass Animals
· Japanese Breakfast
· The Kid Laroi
· Arlo Parks
· WINNER: Olivia Rodrigo
· Saweetie
Best Pop Solo Performance:
· “Anyone,” Justin Bieber
· “Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile
· “Happier Than Ever,” Billie Eilish
· “Positions,” Ariana Grande
· WINNER: “Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
· “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett
· “Lonely,” Justin Bieber and Benny Blanco
· “Butter,” BTS
· “Higher Power,” Coldplay
· WINNER: “Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat feat. SZA
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album:
· WINNER: Love For Sale- Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga
· ‘Til We Meet Again (Live)- Norah Jones,
· A Tori Kelly Christmas- Tori Kelly
· Ledisi Sings Nina-Ledisi
· That’s Life-Willie Nelson
· A Holly Dolly Christmas- Dolly Parton
Best Pop Vocal Album:
· Justice (Triple Chucks Deluxe)-Justin Bieber
· Planet Her (Deluxe)-Doja Cat
· Happier Than Ever-Billie Eilish
· Positions-Ariana Grande
· WINNER: Sour, Olivia Rodrigo
Surprising Fact
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise virtual appearance last night at the Grammys when he urged viewers to support the country in anyway possible. Zelensky made his speech before introducing a performance by John Legend dedicated to the country amid Russia’s invasion, according to Forbes.
“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals, even to those who can’t hear them, but the music will break through anyway,” Zelenksy said. “We defend our freedom to live, to love, to sound.”