Former Big Brother Naija contestant, Tochukwu Okechukwu, popularly known as Tochi, has stirred the pot of controversy by attributing the absence of Nigerian artists from the winners’ list at the 66th Grammy Awards to the influence of Nigerian women.
Tochi took to his X page to share his views, suggesting that South African musician Tyla’s Grammy win in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category over Nigerian artists was fueled by the fervent support of Nigerian women for her hit song, “Water.”
In his post, Tochi wrote, “Na Nigerian girls follow cause this thing, anytime you open social media every time ‘make we waterrrrrrrr.’” This statement implies that the widespread appeal and success of Tyla’s song were bolstered by the enthusiastic backing of Nigerian women.
Tyla’s “Water” triumphed over strong contenders in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, including Amapiano by Asake and Olamide, City Boy by Burna Boy, and Unavailable. Tochi acknowledged that Tyla’s single isn’t just a global hit but also a song with universal appeal.
The Grammy Awards introduced the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category in 2024, reflecting the increasing recognition of African talent on the global stage. Tyla’s victory underscores the international impact of her music, as “Water” dominated charts in 16 countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
It’s noteworthy that the 2024 Grammy Awards featured three new categories, including ‘Best Alternative Jazz Album’ and ‘Best Pop Dance Recording,’ with Kylie Minogue securing the latter award.
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