Naomi Campbell has something to tell the Recording Academy after Burna Boy took a loss after getting nominated for Best World Music Album for his 2019 album ‘African Giant.
Burna Boy lost the award to Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo and was happy for the legendary African musician to take the award home and even congratulated her on social media, this came after Angélique dedicated her award to Burna Boy.
Naomi Campbell who gave a shout out to both artistes who were nominated; Angélique Kidjo and Burna Boy had something to tell the Grammy Awards.
“First, I want to say deepest congratulations to Angélique Kidjo for her award on Sunday, and thank you to you for spreading light and opening minds through your music,” Naomi said in part.
Even though she congratulated Angélique Kidjo for her win in the same category Burna Boy was nominated, Naomi claimed that it was due to lack of education that Burna Boy didn’t receive the accolades he so deserved during the ceremony.
See also: why Burna Boy deserved the Grammy Awards win, numbers don’t lie
“And to our AFRICAN GIANT, Burna Boy… it is only due to lack of education that you have not been honored with the accolades you so truly deserve. You are always a winner in our hearts. ALWAYS.” she continued.
Naomi went on to ask the Recording Academy to at least reconsider what constitutes world music and the lack of representation of the Afrobeats genre which has since taken over the globally and deserves more recognition at the annual show. Campbell has given the Grammy Awards the next one year to come up with a way of representing Afrobeats the right away since the genre has surpassed the African audience plateau.
“This misrepresentation diminishes an entire genre in which such a high standard of talent has emerged; a genre that has been a force of hope and positivity for many, and a vehicle for artistry on the continent of Africa.” Naomi said adding; “Please get up to speed on the state of all popular music today, and include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves – just as any other respected and recognized musical genre.” urging the Recording Academy to include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and many other categories related to the genre.
In conclusion, Naomi Campbell told the Recording Academy; “This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears, and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve.”
Read the full post by Naomi Campbell below;