Beninese singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo, has dedicated her fourth Grammy award to Afro-fusion singer, Burna Boy.
Kidjo was announced winner of Best World Music Album category for her Celia at the 62nd Grammy Awards held on Sunday in Los Angeles, US.
Burna Boy was nominated for the category for his African Giant album alongside Altin Gun, Gece; Bokante and Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley, What Heat; Nathalie Joachim With Spektral Quartet, Fanm D’ayiti; and Angelique Kidjo, Celia.
During her acceptance speech, Kidjo dedicated the award to Burna Boy and celebrated a new generation of African artistes coming up to represent the continent.
“This is for Burna Boy,” she said, lifting up her award to cheers, and declaring Burna as part of the new generation of African musicians that are changing global perception of Africa and its music.
“Four years ago on this stage, I was telling you that the new generations of artists coming from Africa gonna take you by storm and the time has come,” Kidjo added.
Kidjo and Burna Boy collaborated on the track ‘Different’ a standout from his African Giant, which also features Damian Marley. Burna Boy has expressed being a fan of Kidjo on several occasions.
Kidjo, a 59-year-old actress and activist, is known for her diverse musical influences and creative music videos.
She is also known for hit songs such as ‘Agolo’, ‘Wombo Lombo’, ‘Afirika’, ‘Batonga’ and others.
In 2019, Burna Boy won Best International Act at the BET Awards and was also the Apple Music’s Up Next artiste.
However, 18-year-old American singer and songwriter, Billie Eilish, swept the top awards at the 2020 Grammy, winning Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best New Artiste.
