Award-Winning Disc Jockey, DJ Exprezioni has shared his opinion on the recent debate about whether the Grammys needs to create an Afrobeat Category.
Just like many others, DJ Exprezioni believes that the Grammys need to come up with a category that would cater to Afrobeat as the genre has become too big to be boxed under another category.
“If you look around, Afrobeat has become a powerful force to reckon with. It’s bigger than what it used to mean years back. It can’t be boxed under another category or share the category with other genres.”
His opinion comes weeks after Nigerian Artist, Wizkid lost his double nominations which attracted a lot of criticism even from celebrities like the International supermodel, Noami Campbell.
Wizkid was nominated in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ category, recognising new vocal or instrumental Global music recordings.
He also received a second nomination in the ‘Best Global Music Album’ category for albums containing at least 51% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Global Music recordings.
However, the singer lost both nominations as Pakistani Arooj Aftab’s, “Mohabbat” won the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ award while Beninese Angelique Kidjo’s, “Mother Nature”, won the ‘Best Global Music Album’ category.
RELATED:
- Talent Management has always been part of me – DJ Exprezioni
- Nigerian artistes have globalized Afrobeat – DJ Exprezioni
Speaking on the loss, DJ Exprezioni said;
“The loss wasn’t just Wizkid’s loss, it was everyone’s loss. every Nigerian felt it whether you are a friend or an enemy. I am not saying that others in that category weren’t deserving but you have to admit that he was nominated in the wrong categories. His sound is bigger than where he was nominated.”
Emphasizing why Grammy needs to reconsider how it prioritizes Afrobeat, the DJ said;
“Afrobeat isn’t just a trend that will come and pass away, it’s here to stay. If Reggae can have a category, why not Afrobeat. Afrobeat artists are now competing on Billboard charts with other popular genres like Hip-Hop, Pop and R’n’B. It has proven its longevity and impact, so why should it having a category be too much to ask.”