Nomcebo Zikode is the toast of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa as a whole as she became the most recent artist to bring home the eighth Grammy that a South African artist or group has brought home. This is as her song Bayethe, featuring Zakes Bantwini and Wouter Kellerman won the trophy for the Best Global Music Performers 2022.
While many have celebrated the win as that of Osama hitmaker Zakes Bantwini, the actual record does belong to Nomcebo as the title artist of the single. However, as the congratulatory messages have begun to subside, there has been a debate as to whether the single actually deserved the accolade.
The Nomcebo Zikode vs. Burna Boy Grammy win debate
Nomcebo Zikode’s Bayethe was pitted against the global hit Last Last by Nigerian artist Burna Boy. Considering that Last Last had such a global impact as compared to Bayete. This is based on the commentary as to exactly how many people had heard the song before the nomination was publicised. It seems that there were some who questioned whether the song deserved to win over Burna Boy’s.
While for the most part it seems that there was strong opposition to the single winning. Those who have actually listened to the single since the debate has surfaced have leaned towards supporting the single's win. This is as the song might not have the same numbers as Burna Boy’s. But listening to the single, it is understandable why the song won the Grammy.
While Nomcebo has not received her credit as the lead artist on the song, this is not the first time that Nomcebo has been overshadowed for voicing a hit single acknowledged around the world. A reminder that there is ongoing drama between Zikode and former record label Open Mic over the global hit Jerusalema by Master KG.
But ahead of actually winning the award, Nomcebo reflected on when she found out about her nomination. This was reported earlier in the week by Zalebs by sharing that:
Multi-award-winning singer Nomcebo Zikode has enjoyed an incredible couple of years that’ve seen her elevate to global superstar status. On Sunday, Nomcebo stands a chance of notching up perhaps her most impressive achievement yet – winning a Grammy Award.
The platinum-selling South African artist is nominated at music’s most prestigious showcase under the category Best Global Music Performance for “Bayethe”, her monumental collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini.
Nomcebo shares how she first found out about the nomination. “I was in Nice, France when I first got the call that I was nominated. I was so happy, I was jumping up and down. I remember we called Zakes and Wouter, there was champagne in my room – it was just all so nice. I was just so blown away because this is something I didn’t think would come this fast. The Grammys are huge, so for me to get that opportunity to be nominated feels like I’m a winner already. Just to get the recognition from the Grammys means a lot and I’ll never forget this moment.”
