In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 iHeart Radio Music Awards, celebrated Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Rema secured significant victories, marking a shining moment for African music on the international stage.
The awards ceremony, aired live on FOX on Monday night, was
hosted by the acclaimed rapper Ludacris, setting the stage for a night of
memorable achievements.
Burna Boy, the Nigerian music powerhouse, ended a notable
winless streak by clinching the title of ‘Best African Music Artist’. This
victory comes after a year when Burna Boy faced several disappointments,
missing out on awards across a spectrum of ceremonies including the BET Hip-hop
Awards, the Grammys, the NAACP Image Awards, and the Brit Awards.
Meanwhile, Rema’s hit song ‘Calm Down’ in collaboration with
international pop star Selena Gomez, was honoured with the ‘Best Collaboration
of the Year’ award. This win not only underscored Rema’s growing influence in
the global music scene but also highlighted the cross-cultural impact of his
music.
The ceremony was also notable for recognising global music
icons. Beyoncé received the iHeart Innovator Award, an accolade that celebrates
her groundbreaking contributions to the music industry. Similarly, Cher was
honoured with the iHeart Icon Award, acknowledging her enduring legacy and
influence.
Taylor Swift emerged as the top winner of the night,
securing six awards. Her accolades included Artist of the Year, Pop Artist of
the Year, Tour of the Year, Best Lyrics, TikTok Bop of the Year, and Favorite
Tour Style, further cementing her status as a music industry titan.
With the latest wins, Burna Boy and Rema joined the ranks of
Wizkid and Tems as the only Nigerian artists to have won at the iHeart Radio
Music Awards.