Short Answer: Wizkid has 1 Grammy Award to his name. But the full story is much deeper than that, and most blogs never explain it properly. In this article, we will break down Wizkid’s Grammy history, his nominations, his contributions, why fans think he should have more, and how Grammy rules affect the way Afrobeat artists are recognized.
The question “How many Grammys does Wizkid have?” trends on Google almost every month, especially whenever Wizkid releases new music, headlines an event, or when major award seasons approach. Wizkid’s global fanbase, the rise of Afrobeats, and the controversies surrounding Nigerian artists and the Grammys make this question one of the most searched topics in African entertainment.
Many blogs simply state the number without explaining what the Grammy win truly represents or why there is so much confusion about Wizkid’s Grammy count. This article breaks everything down clearly, from his win to his nominations, to the behind-the-scenes politics of the Recording Academy.
How Many Grammys Does Wizkid Have?
The correct and verified answer is:
Wizkid has won 1 Grammy Award.
He earned this Grammy for his contribution to the music video “Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé, featuring Blue Ivy and Wizkid. The award was for Best Music Video at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
You can verify this on the official Grammy database through the Recording Academy’s website:
Visit the Grammy Official Website
Why Many Fans Believe Wizkid Has More Than One Grammy
There is a major misconception among fans that Wizkid has multiple Grammy wins. This belief comes from several factors:
1. His Work on Beyoncé’s “Lion King: The Gift” Album
Many fans assumed he received a Grammy because the album was highly praised and nominated, but it did not win in categories where Wizkid could be credited.
2. His Contribution to “Made in Lagos”
The album was a global success and earned nominations, but it did not win the Grammy category it competed in.
3. His Role in the Emergence of Afrobeats
Because Wizkid is one of the pioneers who helped globalize Afrobeats, fans feel he deserves more awards than he currently has.
These are valid arguments, but according to the Recording Academy’s structure, only direct winners in listed categories formally receive Grammy credit.
All Wizkid Grammy Nominations So Far
Wizkid has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career. His nominations highlight his global influence and contribution to the music industry. Here are the major nominations he has earned:
1. Album of the Year (as a featured artist)
Wizkid was nominated due to his feature on Drake’s album “Views,” which received a Grammy nomination in the Album of the Year category. Featured artists receive recognition but not a Grammy trophy unless the album wins.
2. Best Global Music Album
His groundbreaking album “Made in Lagos” received a Grammy nomination. The album’s success around the world put Nigerian music on a new pedestal. Although it did not win, the nomination itself was a major milestone for Afrobeats.
3. Best Global Music Performance
His hit collaboration “Essence” with Tems was nominated for Best Global Music Performance. The song dominated charts worldwide and is often referred to as one of the biggest African songs in history.
These nominations show that Wizkid consistently operates on a global level, even when he does not win the actual award.
Wizkid’s historic Grammy win explained
In 2021, Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video. Wizkid’s contribution as a featured artist earned him a Grammy certificate, making it his first official Grammy win.
The song was a cultural phenomenon, celebrating black beauty and showcasing African representation in global music. Wizkid’s melodic contributions played a major role in the song’s reception, and his performance cemented his place in global pop culture.
The win also marked a turning point for Afrobeats, proving to the world that African artists could compete—and win—on the biggest global music stage.
The Controversy: Should Wizkid Have More Grammys?
One of the most debated issues among music fans is whether Wizkid deserves more Grammy Awards. Even industry analysts acknowledge that Wizkid has delivered music worthy of major global recognition.
There are three main reasons why the conversation is heated:
1. “Made in Lagos” was one of the biggest albums in the world
The album topped charts worldwide and became the first Nigerian album to spend multiple weeks on the Billboard World Albums Chart. Many fans believe it deserved the Grammy for Best Global Music Album.
2. “Essence” became a global cultural moment
The song reached global charts, entered the Billboard Hot 100, and became the first Nigerian song to crack the top 10 after the Justin Bieber remix. Many analysts and fans believed it was Grammy-worthy.
3. Afrobeats is reshaping global pop culture
As the genre becomes more influential, the Grammys have been pressured to create more categories that better represent African music. Wizkid’s contributions make him a central figure in this discussion.
How the Grammys classify African and global music
To understand why an artist like Wizkid may not win Grammys as frequently as fans expect, it is important to know how the Recording Academy categorizes music.
1. The “Global Music” Category
This category includes music that originates outside the Western mainstream. Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tems, Davido, or Yemi Alade often compete in this category. It is one of the most competitive fields because it groups diverse cultures into a single category.
2. The “Pop” and “Urban” Categories
Wizkid often makes music that blends Afrobeat with pop, R&B, and Caribbean influences. However, the Grammys rarely place African artists in mainstream pop categories, which limits African artists’ chances at broader recognition.
3. Collaboration Rules
Even if a song or album wins, only credited contributors in specific roles receive the Grammy trophy. This technical rule is why fans sometimes assume Wizkid has more wins than he actually does.
For more details about Grammy rules and categories, you can review their official guidelines:
Read industry analysis on Billboard
How Wizkid’s Grammy success changed Afrobeats
Wizkid’s Grammy win did more than decorate his career. It transformed the entire Afrobeats ecosystem. His global collaborations, streaming numbers, and international tours have opened doors for African artists worldwide.
1. Increased industry confidence
Record labels, streaming platforms, and event organizers increasingly invest in Afrobeats because artists like Wizkid proved that African music has a massive global audience.
2. Recognition of African sound
Wizkid’s contributions introduced Western audiences to the smooth, rhythmic, and soulful blend of modern Afrobeats. His influence helped shape how the world perceives African pop music.
3. Rising international collaborations
After Wizkid’s global breakout, artists from all over the world began seeking partnerships with African musicians. This has expanded the international presence of Nigerian artists dramatically.
Will Wizkid win more Grammys in the future?
Many music analysts believe Wizkid is likely to win more Grammys because:
- He is still in his prime musically.
- He consistently releases globally appealing music.
- Afrobeats is rapidly expanding and gaining new Grammy categories.
- His influence keeps attracting major international collaborations.
Wizkid’s future Grammy chances are high, especially as the Recording Academy continues to adapt to global music trends.
Conclusion: Wizkid’s Grammy Legacy Is Bigger Than the Trophy Count
While the confirmed number is:
Wizkid has 1 Grammy Award.
The impact of that achievement goes far beyond the trophy. Wizkid has shaped global music trends, expanded the reach of Afrobeats, and built a career that future African artists will study for decades.
His Grammy journey is still ongoing, and as Afrobeats evolves on the international stage, Wizkid remains one of the leading figures whose influence continues to grow.
For now, the facts remain clear — but the story is far from over.
