What a night! Family, grab your chilled Maltina and adjust your agbada, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards didn’t just feel like an awards ceremony; it felt like an official coronation of Nigerian excellence on the global stage. From the streets of Lagos to the bright lights of Los Angeles, our DNA was all over the winners’ circle.
Leading the charge was the man of the moment, Shaboozey. Taking home honors for his genre-blurring dominance, the Nigerian-American sensation proved that our DNA is the secret sauce in any genre—even Country! Watching Chibueze stand on that stage, rocking that cowboy aesthetic with a Lagos heart, reminded every one of us in the diaspora that our heritage isn’t a barrier; it’s a superpower.
Then we have the powerhouse herself, Cynthia Erivo. Watching this British-Nigerian titan take the stage was a masterclass in poise. Cynthia has always carried that distinct Nigerian work ethic—that “no-nonsense” drive to be the absolute best in any room. Whether she’s conquering Broadway, the silver screen, or the recording studio, she represents the brilliance of the diaspora. Her win is a victory for every Nigerian kid in London, New York, or Toronto who was told their dreams were “too much.”
The “Big Brother” of creative genius, Tyler, The Creator. Tyler (or should we say, Mr. Okonma?) secured yet another win, further cementing his status as one of the greatest visionaries of our generation. Seeing a proud son of the soil continue to disrupt the global music industry while staying unapologetically himself makes the “Naija No Dey Carry Last” mantra feel more real than ever.
But the emotional pinnacle? The late, great Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. In a historic moment for the culture, the Abami Eda was honored with a posthumous recognition that felt decades overdue. As the Afrobeat pioneer’s name echoed through the hall, it wasn’t just a win for the Kuti family; it was a win for every Nigerian who has ever danced to a baseline or used music as a weapon for change.
From the streets of Houston to the flats in Peckham, we are celebrating. We aren’t just “participating” in global culture anymore—we are the ones defining it. Our sound, our names, and our excellence are the new gold standard.
Stay proud, stay loud, and keep shining. The world is finally listening.