In a historic moment at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Nigerian musician Burna Boy, aged 32, etched his name into Recording Academy history. The acclaimed Afrobeats artist achieved a significant milestone as he became the first-ever Afrobeats artist to grace the stage at the annual ceremony.
Joined by R&B icon Brandy and rapper 21 Savage, Burna Boy delivered a memorable performance that captivated audiences worldwide. The trio united for a rendition of “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” Burna Boy’s 2023 track featuring the dynamic contributions of 21 Savage, aged 31. Notably, the song samples Brandy’s 1998 hit “Top of the World,” featuring Mase, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and musical synergy to the performance.
Burna Boy kicked off the electrifying showcase in style, donning a striking red jacket adorned with silver jewels, paired with light blue jeans. Accompanied by dancers clad in traditional Nigerian attire, he commenced with his song “On Form,” setting the stage ablaze with his infectious energy and charisma. The atmosphere reached a crescendo as Burna Boy transitioned seamlessly into his smash hit “City Boys,” igniting the stage with vibrant colors and his signature dance moves.
Brandy made a grand entrance, emerging from atop a set of stairs, exuding confidence in an all-black ensemble complemented by red knee-high boots. Her soulful rendition of “Top of the World” added a nostalgic touch to the performance, reaffirming her status as an R&B icon. 21 Savage, clad in an all-red leather ensemble, delivered a powerful verse on “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” marking his first-ever performance on the Grammy stage.
Grammys executive producer Raj Kapoor had teased the anticipation for this groundbreaking collaboration earlier in the week on Rolling Stone Music Now, heightening the excitement surrounding the performance. For both 21 Savage and Brandy, the moment held special significance, with 21 Savage making his Grammy stage debut and Brandy returning to the spotlight after several years.
The performance was not only a milestone for Burna Boy but also a testament to the evolving landscape of music. However, despite their electrifying showcase, Burna Boy and 21 Savage fell short in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, losing out to Lil Durk and J. Cole’s “All My Life.” Nevertheless, Burna Boy received recognition in the Best African Music Performance category for “City Boys,” underscoring his global influence and acclaim.
As the curtain closed on this historic Grammy performance, Burna Boy, Brandy, and 21 Savage left an indelible mark on the music industry, paving the way for future collaborations and celebrating the rich diversity of musical expression on the global stage.
