When Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, the son of the famous king of Afro-Beat, Fela, was nominated for the Grammy, he caused great stir by declaring that for him nomination for the Grammy was as good as winning gold. Well, Timaya has not said as much, but he sure radiates it.
Music buffs believe that the Nigerian Dancehall’s act of featuring on Morgan Heritage’s album “Avrakedabra” earned him the Grammy nomination. Nigerian Acts are seriously positioning for a Grammy and no one will be surprised when they grab it sooner than later.
Morgan Heritage is a reggae band formed in 1994 by five children of reggae artiste, Denroy Morgan. The band comprises Peter “Peetah” Morgan, Una Morgan, Roy “Gramps” Morgan, Nakhamyah “Lukes” Morgan, and Memmalatel “Mr. Mojo” Morgan.
The Nigerian singer featured alongside Ghanaian Afro-pop singer, Stonebwoy, Chubb Rock, Stylo G, Bunji Garlin, Dre Zion & Jaheil on Morgan Heritage’s “Avrekedabra” album.
According to reports, “Avrekedabra” was nominated for the Best Reggae Album award and will slug it out with “Chronology” by Chronixx, “Lost in Paradise” by Common Kings, “Wash House Ting” by J Boog and “Stony Hill” by Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley.
If the album wins in its category at the 60th Grammy Awards, Timaya will be the first Nigerian-based act to win a Grammy.
Wizkid and Kah-Lo failed to win at the Grammy Awards in 2016, but Nigeria did not completely lose out.
Cynthia Erivo, a singer and actress born in London to Nigerian immigrants, won a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album for the cast recording of the musical, The Color Purple in 2016.
The 60th edition of the Grammy Awards will air live from the Madison Square Gardens on January 28.
