PM NEWS
Nigerian-British media personality Adesope Olajide, also known as Shopsydoo, has leveled accusations against the Grammy organizers, alleging that they exploit Nigerian artists for promotional purposes.
Burna Boy, Davido, Ayra Starr, Asake, and Olamide, all of whom were nominated in various categories at the 66th Grammys, failed to secure wins on Sunday night.
Expressing his reaction through an Instagram live session, Shopsydoo stated that the Recording Academy lacks regard for African music.
He highlighted the instance of the Grammy band playing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s ‘Water’ after the announcement of South African singer Tyla’s ‘Water’ as the winner of the inaugural Best African Music Performance category, as evidence of the Grammy’s disconnect from African music.
Shopsydoo urged African musicians, particularly Nigerian artistes, to boycott the Grammy awards, citing dissatisfaction with the Academy’s understanding and appreciation of African culture.
He said, “Tyla’s ‘Water’ [was announced as winner], the band is playing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s ‘Water’ while somebody that has a different ‘Water’ was working on the stage. If you want to know about an organisation that has no clue, the Grammy has no clue.
“They have no clue, they know nothing about our culture. And we shouldn’t be wasting our energy there. These bums gave Tyla’s ‘Water’ an award and they are playing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s ‘Water’ in the background. Is that an organisation that understands us? They don’t care about us, man”.
He further criticized the Grammy’s approach, accusing them of exploiting African talent for their own promotional gain.
