Songs that earn celebrity Grammy nominations

Nigeria's music scene is buzzing with excitement as six of its top artists—Burna Boy, Davido, Rema, Tems, Yemi Alade, and Asake—have received prestigious nominations at the upcoming 67th Annual Grammy Awards.

The ceremony is set to take place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

From Tems's tracks "Born in the Wild" and "Love Me Jeje" to Yemi Alade's "Tomorrow," Chris Brown's "Sensational," Rema's "HEIS," Asake's "MMS," and Burna Boy's "Higher," these nominees are poised to showcase Nigeria's vibrant music on the world stage. Analyzing these songs can shed light on each artist's chances of winning. 

Tems’s “Born in the Wild” / “Love Me Jeje”

With three nominations, Tems is a formidable contender, building on her previous Grammy success for her work on Future’s "Wait for U." She is nominated for Best African Music Performance for "Love Me Jeje," as well as Best Global Music Album for her debut, "Born in the Wild," and Best R&B Song for "Burning," also from this album. Released on June 7, 2024, through RCA Records and Since ’93, "Born in the Wild" features 18 tracks, including "Me & U," "Love Me Jeje," and "Burning." Tems poured her heart into this album, and many believe she's likely to secure at least one Grammy next year.

Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow”

Yemi Alade, the queen of Afro-pop, continues to push her artistic limits. Her nomination for Best African Music Performance for "Tomorrow" is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Released on May 17, 2024, from her sixth studio album, "Rebel Queen," the song is a vibrant celebration of culture and spirituality, promoting themes of hope and resilience. Produced by DeeYassobeatz, "Tomorrow" is not only catchy but also holds a powerful message about new beginnings. However, she faces stiff competition from heavyweights like Burna Boy and Tems.

Davido’s “Sensational”

Davido earns his second nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his collaboration on Chris Brown's "Sensational," alongside rising artist Lojay. This track, released in 2023, adds to Chris Brown’s impressive catalog, showcasing his songwriting and vocal talents. Known for his ability to create hits, Chris Brown has teamed up with Davido and Lojay, who contribute their unique styles to the song. With its engaging lyrics and high-quality production, "Sensational" could be the song that finally earns Davido his first Grammy.

Asake’s “MMS”

Asake has continued to rise since his debut album, "Mr Money with the Vibe," which broke records for its opening day on Apple Music. His song "MMS," featuring Wizkid, is nominated in the Best African Music Performance category. Released in June 2024, the track blends traditional Afrobeat with contemporary sounds, showcasing Asake's distinctive style. Although it hasn’t generated as much buzz as his earlier work, this nomination signifies Asake's growing presence on the global music scene.

Rema’s “HEIS”

Rema has solidified his status as a global superstar, gaining recognition for his energetic performances and hit songs over the past five years. His nomination for Best Global Music Album for "HEIS" is well-deserved. Following the success of his debut album, "Rave & Roses," which included the global hit "Calm Down" remix with Selena Gomez, his new album features 11 tracks and marks a new chapter in his career. If he wins, it would further elevate his status as a leading figure in Afro-pop.

 Burna Boy’s “Higher”

Burna Boy, known for his profound sound, has received his third consecutive Grammy nomination for the song "Higher," released on June 27, 2024, through Spaceship Records. The track highlights his lyrical skill and creative talent, produced by Nigerian producer Dibs. Competing in the Best African Music Performance category, "Higher" showcases Burna's captivating stage presence and energy, making it a strong contender for a win at the next Grammy Awards.