Controversy Surrounds Grammy Award's Best African Music Performance Category

Thu Feb 19 2026 03:11:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The inclusion of U.S. artist Chris Brown in the Best African Music Performance category ignites debates on authenticity and representation in African music.

Following the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category at the Grammy Awards, discussions arise over the eligibility of non-African artists like Chris Brown. While his nomination has sparked controversy, some argue that cross-genre collaboration reflects the essence of creativity in music. The dominance of Afrobeats also raises concerns about overshadowing other African genres, sparking calls for a more inclusive representation of Africa's diverse musical landscape.

The Grammy Awards has stirred debate with its Best African Music Performance category, introduced just last year. The initial triumph of South Africa's Tyla, who won for her hit song "Water," marked a significant acknowledgment of African music on an international stage. However, this year's nomination list has caused unease, particularly with the nomination of American R&B artist Chris Brown for his track "Sensational," which features Afrobeats inputs and guest vocalists from Nigeria, Davido and Lojay.

The presence of a non-African artist in an African music category raises questions about authenticity. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr defended the nomination, emphasizing music's inherent inclusivity and the need to honor exceptional work, irrespective of its origin. He pointed out precedents in Latin and K-Pop genres that similarly embraced collaboration across borders.

Critics argue that the Grammy's focus on Afrobeats, with its origins tracing back to Nigeria and Ghana, often eclipses other vibrant African genres. Nigerian music journalist Ayomide Tayo highlighted the phenomenon, noting that Afrobeats has benefitted from years of global exposure and a robust diaspora, contributing significantly to its worldwide popularity.

Despite discontent over Afrobeats' prevalence, other genres like amapiano, which saw over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify this year, are also gaining traction. Raphael Benza, head of Vth Season record label, indicated that the category name itself disallows a narrow focus and anticipated greater representation of amapiano in future nominations.

While Chris Brown's involvement sparked controversy, it's essential to note his commitment to international collaborations and contributions to African music. His lively performances in Johannesburg and ongoing partnerships with renowned Nigerian artists signify a blending of cultures rather than a simple appropriation.

Historically, African artists have won Grammys long before this new category emerged, with pioneering figures like Mariam Makeba gaining recognition as early as 1966. The evolution of Grammy categories to include African music has reflected changes in the global music landscape. Multi-award holders such as Angélique Kidjo and Youssou N'Dour signify the rich contributions from the continent.

As discussions around representation in the Grammy Awards continue, there is hope for more distinct categories that celebrate the diverse musical traditions flourishing across Africa, moving beyond the overwhelming focus on Afrobeats to reflect the continent's rich musical tapestry.