The organisers of the Grammy Award made a blunder at the 66th edition of the award on Sunday night as they played late Nigerian afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s ‘Water’ after announcing ‘Water’ by South African singer, Tyla, as the winner of the maiden Best African Music Performance category.
OsunDailyNG reports that the Recording Academy announced Tyla’s ‘Water’ as the winner of the inaugural Best African Music Performance award ahead of songs by Nigerian artists: Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ Asake’s ‘Amapiano,’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys,’ and Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush.’
But surprisingly, after the announcement, Fela’s evergreen record, ‘Water No Get Enemy’ came up instead of Tyla’s sexualised mid-tempo tune.
The blunder sparked reactions from fans and music critics, especially in Nigeria, with many berating the Recording Academy for the “silly mistake.”
Fela Kuti’s “Water” was played when Tyla was announced winner of “Best African Music Performance” at the #Grammys pic.twitter.com/hzjjynvBKA
— (@AlbumTalksHQ) February 4, 2024
