Black artists shine at 2024 Grammy Awards

By Ericka Alston Buck 
Special to the AFRO

The 2024 Grammy Awards unfolded in all its glamor and glory on Feb. 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking a triumphant return to music’s biggest night after a brief hiatus. Hosted once again by Trevor Noah, the event showcased a dazzling array of talent, with nominees and performers gracing the red carpet in their finest attire.

The pre-show premiere ceremony set the stage for the day’s celebrations, where numerous awards were bestowed upon deserving artists. However, it was during the main event that the magic truly unfolded, with electrifying performances and heartfelt acceptance speeches captivating audiences worldwide.

African-American artists shine bright

African-American artists dazzled in the spotlight throughout the evening, with SZA delivering a stellar performance that left audiences mesmerized. Taking total command of the Grammys stage, she performed some of her biggest hits off her recent record, “SOS,” including “Snooze” and “Kill Bill.” Channeling the night’s general aesthetic of female empowerment, SZA’s performance left a lasting impression, culminating in her Grammy win for best R&B song for “Snooze.”

Recording Academy pays homage to Tracy Chapman

Legendary singer Tracy Chapman teamed up with contemporary country singer Luke Combs for a live, modern-day rendition of her 1988 hit “Fast Car.” The two traded verses and harmonized, creating an iconic moment in history. Chapman’s appearance marked her first televised performance in four years, adding to the significance of the collaboration.

Travis Scott brought his signature energy to the stage, performing three songs off his recent album, Utopia. Infused with anger and morose, Scott’s performance was intense and memorable– albeit slightly bizarre– once he started slamming chairs on the Grammys stage. With a brief cameo from Playboi Carti, Scott left a lasting impression on the evening.

Burna Boy makes history

Burna Boy took to the stage as the first Afrobeats artist to perform at the Grammys. Teaming up with Brandy and 21 Savage for a live performance of “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” the trio brought positive vibes and good energy to the stage, representing the diversity and global reach of music.

Jay-Z calls out the Recording Academy– on their own stage

A highlight of the night was undoubtedly hip-hop legend Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award and speaking very plainly about the lack of diversity in the Recording Academy’s top picks for each year.

“I tell the truth when I get nervous,” said the media mogul, with daughter Blue Ivy at his side. 

Carter spoke on the love Black artists have for the Recording Academy and their annual Grammy award honors, even if they are often shut out of certain categories. 

“We want ya’ll to get it right– at least get it close to right,” he said. 

Carter used his acceptance speech to highlight that while the awards are ultimately “subjective,” something has to be noticed when even a superstar like Beyonce– with decades in the entertainment business– has never won the coveted album of the year trophy. 
“Even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work,” said Carter, on the Grammy stage. “Think about that. The most Grammys, never won album of the year. That doesn’t work.”

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