Nigerian Afro Popstar, Wizkid, has been making it to so many news headlines, following the recent success of his single “Essence.” The song was initially making wonderful rounds before he decided to feature American pop singer, Justin Bieber.
Now, the much-talked-about song has seen its way to the Billboard Top 10 chart, making him the first Nigerian singer to achieve such feat. Music critics have been relaying their minds on the success of this hit, which was obviously responsible for the speed with which fans bought tickets to his London Se02 Arena concert.
Wizkid sold out in 2 minutes, according to reports.
From a critic’s point of view, I believe it’s safe to say that Wizkid will get a Grammy nomination in the upcoming Annual Grammy Awards. I also believe he’ll win in the “World Music” category.
Nigeria’s Burna Boy was the last winner in this category, given the success of his album “African Giant.” Actually, there should be just a few contenders in this year’s world music category, so it’s only normal that the “Ojuelegba” crooner’s “Made In Lagos” album, will be shortlisted.
Why?
He was wise enough to place Justin Bieber in the remix of the song. This increased the streaming potential, as fans of the American star increased the visibility potential of the song. The album will obviously go platinum, and it would be a sin not to consider him for the award. He tapped into the commercial style of featuring a more global act, and this, in turn, has improved the marketing of the album.
Are there tougher contenders in the “world music” category? I believe the answer is a NO for now. And if it continues this way, the award is surely his for the taking.
The problem, however, would be in the fact, that they could ignore the album in the aforementioned category. They could consider it a global pop album. If this becomes the case, then he’ll be having some fierce contenders.
Opinion by: Edward Amah
