The 66th edition of the Grammy Awards scheduled to take place in February next year allowed submissions of music works from musical arts all over the world for consideration. The submissions have already ended and nominations are to be announced on November 10.
Multiple award-winning Ghanaian musician, Stonebwoy, submitted his 5th Dimension Album for Grammy consideration. The 5th Dimension Album which is the fifth album of the reggae dancehall king has earned massive attention around the world and it has recorded millions of streams on Spotify and Audiomack respectively after its release on April 28, 2023.
The Sobolo crooner’s latest album is a collection of sounds that showcase Stonebwoy’s ability to effortlessly fuse different genres and cultures into his music.
The seven-track album features both local and international artistes such as British rapper Stormzy, Grammy award-winner Angelique Kidjo, iconic Nigerian Afrobeats singer Davido, South African DJ Maphorisa, Jamaican reggae rapper Shaggy, Dexta Daps (Jamaica) and Mereba (US), and Jaz Karis (UK).
The Run Go singer took to his Facebook page to share the news with his fans as well as express his gratitude following the milestone.
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“The 5th Dimension is here, I have been blessed and remain thankful to be able to tell my story and that of many around me through my art & my sound – the journey continues and is being considered for this years @recordingacademy #GRAMMY awards! #5thdimension #ghana #foryourgrammyconsideration,” Stonebwoy wrote.
International music record label, Def Jam has applauded Stonebwoy for having received consideration for his 5th Dimension Album across the categories of Best Global Music Album, Best Reggae Album, and the newly formed category, Best African Performance for Manodzi, a stand-out track from the album.
The Life and Money hitmaker is not a new face on the Grammy stage. Having received a prestigious invitation to become an Academy Member in 2021, Stonebwoy has received a certificate from the international music award scheme for his participation in a Grammy-nominated project. He was also recently featured on the Global Spin Platform, where he performed his work, Manodzi featuring Beninoise singer, Angelique Kidjo.
Three-time Grammy nominee, Rocky Dawuni, has also earned a nomination after submitting his recent hit, Shade Tree, for consideration at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
The single will be the first from the musician’s forthcoming new album set to drop in 2024.
Shade Tree is a timely new global anthem of empowerment and unity from the Ghanaian star. The song which was released worldwide on September 12, 2023, is based on the concept of the tree that provides shade for all of the various “shades” of humanity. It is a convergence point and an oasis for all people. The shade tree is where conflicts and disagreements can be resolved; it provides “a shelter from the rain.”
Rocky Dawuni’s own unique “Afro Roots” sound mixes Roots Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife, Soul, and pop. As an exceptional performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Peter Gabriel, Angelique Kidjo, and many more.
As a dedicated activist serving as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance, and a Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afro-Descendant Culture, he uses his music to shine a light on crucial issues facing humanity across the globe with live concerts, speaking roles, panels, and youth empowerment initiatives.
The celebrated Ghanaian threw a word of caution to upcoming Ghanaian music stars to prioritize the craft of their music and infuse their lyrics with depth instead of obsessing over hit songs. Hits, he stated, may offer momentary fame, but they often lack lasting substance. Dawuni’s counsel emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s creative vision in a rapidly evolving music industry.
Talking about his Grammy nomination to Ameyaw TV’s Zeinat at the just-ended Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Awards, the Ghanaian Reggae musician, songwriter, and producer, whose song has been nominated for Best Global Music, stated he is not obliged to bring home a Grammy.
Having been a pacesetter over the years for Ghanaian artistes to reach the Grammy stage through his multiple nominations, he is willing to see the award given to a deserving artiste.
“The thing is that I am not obliged, the way has already been opened, I have created nominations and now Ghanaian artistes are getting the opportunity and it is open for every and any artiste, it’s not really about me or someone, we just need to create a credible opportunity and then one of us or some of us, one of our musicians can go grab it, it could be me, it could be somebody else,” Dawuni noted.