_Cobham Asuquo Slams Grammys, Accuses Institution of Using Nigerians to Boost LA GDP_
By Adesakin Adefemi
Renowned Nigerian musician and producer, Cobham Asuquo, has slammed the Grammy Awards, questioning the institution’s relationship with Nigerian artistes. Asuquo’s scathing criticism comes amid growing concerns about the lack of recognition for African music on the global stage.
Asuquo’s response came after the 68th Grammy Awards, where Nigeria’s top nominees, including Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Davido, Wizkid, and Omah Lay, lost in their respective categories. Despite Nigeria’s vibrant music scene and global influence, the country failed to secure a single win.
In a video posted to his Instagram page, Asuquo argued that the Grammys benefit economically from Nigeria’s music community while offering little in return. “They’re using us to boost their GDP, but we’re not getting anything back,” Asuquo said, emphasizing that Nigerian artistes deserve more recognition and support.
He accused the institution of using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles, implying that the Grammys are more interested in exploiting Nigeria’s music talent for their own gain. Asuquo’s comments have sparked a heated debate about the Grammys’ voting process and representation of African music.
Asuquo’s criticism comes after South Africa’s Tyla took home the award in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, sparking debates about the Grammys’ voting process and representation. Many have questioned why Nigerian artistes, who have consistently produced high-quality music, were overlooked.
The Nigerian music industry has been producing world-class talent, with artistes like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido gaining international recognition. However, despite their global success, Nigerian artistes continue to face challenges in getting recognized by international award institutions.
Asuquo’s statement has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and fellow artistes, with many calling for greater recognition and support for Nigerian music. Some have taken to social media to express their frustration and disappointment with the Grammys, using hashtags like #NigerianMusicDeservesBetter.
The Grammys have yet to respond to Asuquo’s criticism, but the incident highlights the ongoing debate about representation and recognition of African music on the global stage. As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that Nigerian artistes will keep pushing boundaries and demanding recognition.
Asuquo’s comments have also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of supporting local music industries and promoting African talent. With the rise of Afrobeats and other African genres, many are calling for greater investment and recognition of the continent’s music scene.
The incident has also raised questions about the Grammys’ voting process and whether it truly represents the diversity of global music. As the institution looks to the future, it may need to reevaluate its approach to recognizing and celebrating music from Africa and other underrepresented regions.
