UK-based Nigerian radio and TV personality Adesope Olajide has criticized the Grammys for their treatment of African music and culture.
He accused the Recording Academy of exploiting Africa’s population, culture and artistes for promotional purposes.
According to Olajide, the Grammys are out of touch with African pop music and missed an opportunity to bridge the African diaspora in the United States of America.
He is urging a boycott of the awards due to their treatment of African artists. Olajide was particularly upset about the new Best African Music Performance award, which was given to South Africa’s Tyla, instead of Burna Boy and Davido.
He expressed disappointment about the lack of recognition for African artists at the ceremony, despite their heavy promotion of the Grammy platform.
Burna Boy and Davido had multiple nominations but went home empty-handed from the 66th Grammy Awards ceremony. On the other hand, Tyla’s song “Water” enjoyed commercial success, reaching the top 10 list of the Billboard Hot 100, even though she faced criticism from Olajide.
