Burna Boy – In a groundbreaking moment at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Burna Boy, the 32-year-old Nigerian music sensation, etched his name in Recording Academy history. Not only did he become the first-ever Afrobeats artist to grace the prestigious stage, but he also delivered a mesmerizing medley performance alongside iconic R&B singer Brandy and acclaimed rapper 21 Savage.
The trio captivated the audience with a rendition of “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” Burna Boy’s 2023 hit featuring 21 Savage, which creatively sampled Brandy’s 1998 classic “Top of the World” with Mase.
Burna Boy kicked off the electrifying performance adorned in a vibrant red jacket and silver jewels, paired with stylish light blue jeans. Accompanied by dancers donning traditional Nigerian attire, he began with his track “On Form” and seamlessly transitioned into the chart-topping “City Boys,” setting the stage ablaze with vibrant colours and infectious energy.
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Brandy made a grand entrance, descending from a set of stairs, clad in an all-black ensemble complemented by striking red knee-high boots. She delivered a soulful rendition of her portion of “Top of the World,” adding a touch of nostalgia to the unforgettable performance. 21 Savage, dressed in an all-red leather jacket and pants, took the stage with a powerful delivery of his verse on “Sittin’ on Top of the World.”
Grammys executive producer Raj Kapoor had earlier announced the collaboration on Rolling Stone Music Now, creating heightened anticipation for the groundbreaking performance.
The moment wasn’t just monumental for Burna Boy; it marked 21 Savage’s debut on the Grammy stage and marked Brandy’s return to the prestigious event after several years.
Watch Burna Boy Grammy 2024 Video
• Burna Boy performing at the Grammy 2024 main stage, he is the first Nigerian artiste to do so 🔥pic.twitter.com/hpZPxH2Slx
— MUSICFRO (@MusiqFro) February 5, 2024
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In 2019, Post Malone performed “Rockstar” without 21 Savage, who was absent due to a prior arrest by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Since then, 21 Savage has attained “lawful permanent resident” status in the U.S., as confirmed by his lawyer in 2023.
While Burna Boy and 21 Savage were nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance, they ultimately lost to Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life.” Burna Boy also received a nod in the Best African Music Performance category for “City Boys.”
21 Savage secured multiple nominations, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Spin Bout U,” Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for “Rich Flex,” and Best Rap Album for “Her Loss.”
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Brandy, a Grammy winner in 1999 for “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica, brought her undeniable talent to the stage, adding another remarkable chapter to her Grammy legacy. The 2024 Grammys will forever be remembered as the night when Afrobeats took centre stage, thanks to Burna Boy’s historic performance and the stellar collaboration with Brandy and 21 Savage.
