In a surprising turn of events during the 66th Grammy Awards, the organisers made a notable blunder by playing the late Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s track Water while announcing South African singer Tyla as the winner of the inaugural Best African Music Performance category.
During the awards ceremony on Sunday, February 4, 2024, the Recording Academy awarded Tyla’s Water with the first-ever Best African Music Performance accolade, surpassing tracks by notable Nigerian artists, including Davido’s Unavailable, Asake’s Amapiano, Burna Boy’s City Boys, and Ayra Starr’s Rush.
However, the post-announcement surprise arose when, instead of playing Tyla’s sexually-themed mid-tempo track, the iconic and timeless classic Water No Get Enemy by Fela Kuti resonated through the venue.
This unexpected blunder immediately triggered reactions from fans and music critics, particularly in Nigeria, with many expressing criticism towards the Recording Academy for what they deemed a “silly mistake.”
The mix-up added an unexpected twist to the historic moment, overshadowing Tyla’s victory and prompting discussions about the accuracy and attention to detail in such prestigious award ceremonies.
Fela Kuti’s “Water” was played when Tyla was announced winner of “Best African Music Performance” at the #Grammys 👀 pic.twitter.com/hzjjynvBKA
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) February 4, 2024
“The Grammy has no clue”
– Shopsydoo pic.twitter.com/FW89mtaLv7
— 🐬 @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) February 4, 2024
Abi Tyla submitted Fela Water to Win Grammy.
We need to do our investigation pic.twitter.com/DAoYLqp1aY— Pshow™️ (@adepromise) February 5, 2024
This is an insult, are they mocking Afrobeat(s) or what? Throw the whole grammy away. Cancelled❌ 🗑
— Josh Tolu (@Josh_Tolu) February 5, 2024
They Submitted which Water lol 😂 🤣🤣😂😂 ..@RecordingAcad you’ve done it again.
— Don Mayo (@Mayo6Tee) February 5, 2024
This is pure foolishness, why use Fela song titled Water? Are they ashamed to play the song that got the award?
— El Bruzieee (@bruzieee) February 5, 2024
Abi Grammy think say nah tyla water be this 🫠😹
— Afcshrik (@AlvinAdegoke) February 4, 2024
Grammy mistakenly played fela Kuti water not Tyla water
— Victor Olatunbosun (@VictorOlatunbo4) February 5, 2024
