Burna Boy achieved a historic milestone at the 2024 Grammy Awards, becoming the first-ever Afrobeats artist to grace the prestigious stage. The 32-year-old Nigerian musician delivered a captivating performance alongside Brandy and 21 Savage during the ceremony.
Kicking off his set with the song “On Form,” Burna Boy, adorned in a striking red jacket with silver embellishments and matching light blue jeans, showcased his vibrant energy alongside dancers dressed in traditional Nigerian attire. He seamlessly transitioned into his hit track “City Boys,” creating a visually stunning spectacle with vibrant stage lighting and enthusiastic dance moves.
The performance took a momentous turn as Brandy emerged on stage, clad in an all-black ensemble paired with eye-catching red knee-high boots, delivering a segment of her 1998 hit “Top of the World.” 21 Savage also made a dynamic entrance, sporting an all-red leather jacket and pants while performing his verse on Burna Boy’s “Sittin’ on Top of the World.”
The announcement of this unique collaboration was made by Grammys executive producer Raj Kapoor earlier in the week on Rolling Stone Music Now.
This performance marked not only a significant moment for Burna Boy, who was up for a Grammy nomination, but also a notable occasion for 21 Savage, who rapped on the Grammy stage for the first time. Brandy, a Grammy winner herself, graced the Grammy Awards stage after several years, adding to the historical significance of the moment.
While Burna Boy and 21 Savage were nominated for Best Melodic Rap Performance, they were edged out by Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life.” Burna Boy also received a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for “City Boys.”
21 Savage earned multiple nominations for his collaborative efforts, including “Spin Bout U” with Drake in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, “Rich Flex” for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, and “Her Loss” for Best Rap Album.
Brandy, a Grammy winner in 1999 for “The Boy Is Mine” with Monica, returned to the Grammy stage, contributing to the overall historic and memorable atmosphere of the evening.