American singer Matt B has emerged victorious in the Best Global Music Album category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, defeating Nigerian stars Tems and Rema to claim the prestigious award.
His project, Alkebulan II, a collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, won the coveted prize at the event held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA.
Matt B’s album edged out Rema’s HEIS and Tems’ Born in the Wild, as well as Ciro Hurtado’s Paisajes and Antonio Rey’s Historias De Un Flamenco, to secure the win.
Before the ceremony, Tems and Rema were aiming to join Burna Boy as the only Nigerian artists to have won the Best Global Music Album award. Burna Boy set the record in 2021 with his album Twice As Tall.
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The loss means Nigerian artists have now won just one out of 16 nominations in this category, despite their increasing recognition on the global music stage. Nigerian representation in this category dates back to King Sunny Ade’s nomination in 1999 for his album Odu.
Matt B, whose real name is Matthew David Benson, has been in the music industry since 2009, blending R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats.
He previously earned a Grammy nomination in 2022 for his single Gimme Love featuring Eddy Kenzo.
His latest project, Alkebulan II, showcases a fusion of diverse musical elements, reflecting his commitment to celebrating African culture through music.
