Nigerian artists Wizkid and Bloody Civilian have once again put the country on the global music map! Their contributions to the album “Bob Marley: One Love (Music Inspired by the Film)” helped it secure the Best Reggae Album award at the 67th Grammy Awards, adding another milestone to Nigeria’s growing influence in the global music industry.
Read: Sikiru Adepoju: The Rhythmic Legacy of A Grammy Percussionist
A Modern Take on Bob Marley’s Timeless Classics
The album, inspired by the recent Bob Marley: One Love biopic, features reimagined versions of the reggae legend’s iconic tracks. The project brings together a diverse mix of global stars who have infused their unique styles while staying true to Marley’s revolutionary message.
Bloody Civilian kicks off the album with her fresh rendition of “Natural Mystic”, showcasing her dynamic vocals and storytelling. Wizkid, known for his versatility, delivers a soulful reinterpretation of “One Love”, one of Bob Marley’s most legendary songs.
Other top artists featured on the album include:
- Skip Marley (Bob Marley’s grandson)
- Grammy-winning R&B star Daniel Caesar
- Country music sensation Kacey Musgraves
- Singer-songwriter Jessie Reyez
- Soul artist Leon Bridges
- Reggae stars Farruko and Shenseea
The album edged out strong contenders like Collie Buddz (Take It Easy), Vybz Kartel (Party With Me), Shenseea (Never Gets Late Here), and The Wailers (Evolution) to win the Grammy.
Seni Saraki’s Role in the Album’s Success
Beyond the artists, Seni Saraki, CEO of The Native, played a crucial role in the album’s production. Partnering with Island Records and Paramount Pictures, he helped bring this project to life.
Speaking on the win, Seni expressed his gratitude:
“I appreciate all the amazing artists, producers, and engineers who took on this project because it’s about Bob Marley’s legacy. Bloody Civilian, Wizkid, Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, and many more made this possible.”
His contributions to global music aren’t new. In 2023, he co-produced parts of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, which earned four Grammy nominations.
Nigeria’s Ever-Growing Grammy Legacy
This win further cements Nigeria’s growing presence at the Grammys. Over the years and recently, Nigerian artists have earned nominations and taken home awards, proving the global demand for Afro-influenced music.
- Burna Boy won Best Global Music Album in 2021.
- Wizkid & Tems won Best Music Video for “Brown Skin Girl” in 2021.
- Rema, Davido, and Asake earned nominations in 2024 for the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category.
- Tems won the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards, marking her second Grammy win and her first solo Grammy.
Read: Tems Wins Her First Solo Award at the 67th Grammy Awards.
With the Afrobeats movement stronger than ever, Nigerian artists are showing that their sound can transcend genres—from reggae to R&B and beyond.
What This Means for African Music
With Wizkid and Bloody Civilian contributing to a Grammy-winning reggae album, it’s clear that African artists are not just dominating Afrobeats but also reshaping global music narratives. This achievement is a sign of what’s to come: more collaborations, more cross-genre experimentation, and more representation on the world’s biggest stages.
Read: Nigerian Nominees at the 67th Grammy Awards and Their Winning Prospects
The Future of Nigerian Music on the Global Stage
As Nigeria continues to break barriers in the global music industry, what’s next? Will we see more Nigerian artists headlining international projects? Will Afro-reggae become a new subgenre?
The influence of African artists is undeniable, and this Grammy win is another testament to that. What are your thoughts on this achievement? Drop a comment and let’s celebrate Nigerian excellence together! 