In a historic moment for the Recording Academy, Burna Boy, the acclaimed Nigerian musician, made his mark by becoming the first-ever Afrobeats artist to perform at the prestigious Grammy Awards. This exciting milestone was achieved during the 2024 Grammy Awards, where Burna Boy took the stage accompanied by renowned artists Brandy and 21 Savage.
During the electrifying show, the trio captivated the audience with a mesmerizing performance of 'Sittin' on Top of the World.' The song, originally released by Burna Boy in 2023, features 21 Savage and samples Brandy's iconic hit from 1998, 'Top of the World,' which also featured Mase.
Burna Boy began his captivating performance dressed in a vibrant red jacket adorned with silver jewels, elegantly paired with light blue jeans. As he mesmerized the crowd, dancers dressed in traditional Nigerian attire joined him on stage. The energy in the arena was palpable as he performed his song 'On Form' with captivating enthusiasm. The stage came alive with colors and infectious rhythms as he seamlessly transitioned into his smash hit 'City Boys' and showcased his incredible dance moves.
Appearing from the top of a set of stairs, Brandy took the stage, dressed in an all-black outfit, accentuated by striking red knee-high boots. She enthralled the audience with her soulful rendition of 'Top of the World,' a nostalgic throwback to her own career-defining hit. 21 Savage, clad in an alluring all-red ensemble, including a leather jacket and pants, graced the stage next and delivered his memorable verse from Burna Boy's 'Sittin' on Top of the World.'
Grammy Awards executive producer Raj Kapoor had previously announced this exciting collaboration during an interview on Rolling Stone Music Now, building anticipation for the groundbreaking performance.
This remarkable moment wasn't just significant for Burna Boy; it also marked 21 Savage's first time showcasing his rap skills on the Grammy stage. Moreover, after several years of absence, Brandy made a triumphant return to the Grammy Awards, reminding everyone of her enduring talent.
Looking back to 2019, it's worth noting that 21 Savage was unable to perform alongside Post Malone during their rendition of 'Rockstar' due to his arrest by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. However, Savage's mother attended the ceremony in his place, displaying unwavering support. Since then, Savage's legal status has changed, and he is now a 'lawful permanent resident' in the United States, as confirmed by his lawyer in 2023.
Brandy, already a Grammy-winning artist, once again graced the Grammy stage with her exceptional talent. Back in 1997, she delivered a captivating performance of 'Sittin' Up In My Room,' leaving an indelible mark on the audience.
Although Burna Boy and 21 Savage were nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, they ultimately lost to Lil Durk and J. Cole's 'All My Life.' Burna Boy also garnered a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his chart-topping song 'City Boys.'
As for 21 Savage, he received several nominations at the 2024 Grammy Awards. His collaborative effort with Drake on 'Her Loss' earned him a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance with 'Spin Bout U.' Additional nominations included Best Rap Performance for 'Rich Flex,' Best Rap Song for 'Rich Flex,' and Best Rap Album for 'Her Loss.'
It was truly a night to remember, with Burna Boy, Brandy, and 21 Savage captivating viewers and proving the power of collaboration and the diverse influence of music. Their stellar performances during the 66th annual Grammy Awards serve as a testament to the extraordinary talent emerging from the global music scene.
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