Recording Academy history has been created by Burna Boy!
The 32-year-old Nigerian musician made history on Sunday night by becoming the first-ever Afrobeats performer to appear at the annual Grammy Awards. Brandy and 21 Savage were also present.
The three of them came together to sing Burna Boy's 2023 song 'Sittin' on Top of the World,' which features 21 Savage, 31 during the concert. Notably, Brandy's 1998 smash song 'Top of the World,' with Mase, is sampled in the song.
Burna Boy sang his song 'On Form' alongside dancers dressed in what looked to be traditional Nigerian attire as he began his performance. He was wearing a red jacket with silver jewels and matching light blue pants. He then gave a passionate dance performance of his hit song 'City Boys' while the stage glowed with colour.
In what appeared to be a homage to the Nigerian flag, Burna Boy's performance featured upbeat dancers and a backup band dressed out in green. Wearing a quilted jacket decorated with red rhinestones, matching grey slacks, and a snapback, Burna exuded confidence and happiness while showcasing his culture on the Grammys stage.
Then, dressed all in black and sporting red knee-high boots, Brandy emerged from the top of a flight of steps and began singing a portion of her popular song, 'Top of the World.' Along with Burna Boy, 21 Savage made an appearance on stage, sporting an all-red leather jacket and jeans while delivering his line on 'Sittin' on Top of the World.'
Burna Boy's Grammy Performance
Rolling Stone Music Now earlier this week revealed the trio's performance, which was originally confirmed by Grammys executive producer Raj Kapoor.
Not only was the performance significant to Burna Boy. 21 also performed a rap for the first time on the Grammys stage. Additionally, it was Brandy's first Grammy performance in several years.
Post Malone did not perform 'Rockstar' in 2019 because 21 Savage had been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement before the event. (In his stead, the rapper's mother received Grammy tickets and went to the ceremony.) After the 'targeted operation' over his visa, Savage has subsequently become a 'lawful permanent resident' of the United States, according to his attorney, who spoke with PEOPLE in 2023.
Grammy Appearance
Image Source: Twitter
Brandy's first major performance on the Grammy stage was in 1997 when she gave a rendition of 'Sittin' Up In My Room.'
Lil Durk and J. Cole's 'All My Life' defeated Burna Boy and 21 in Sunday night's competition for best melodic rap performance. Burna Boy received a nomination for 'City Boys' in the category of best African music performance.
Additionally, 21 Savage received a couple of nominations for the event this year. He received another nomination for 'Spin Bout U' in the best melodic rap performance category, because of his 2023 collaboration with Drake, Her Loss. His further nominations are for Best Rap Album for 'Her Loss,' Best Rap Song for 'Rich Flex,' and Best Rap Performance for 'Rich Flex.'
As a Grammy winner, Brandy entered the Sunday performance. For 'The Boy Is Mine' with Monica, she and Monica won best R&B performance by a pair or group with vocals in 1999.
Watch the whole 66th Grammy Awards aired live on CBS from the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, courtesy of PEOPLE.
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