#Grammys2024: Mixed reactions as organizers play Fela Kuti’s ‘Water’ while announcing Tyla as winner (Watch)

The organizers of the Grammy Awards triggered serious mixed reactions online when they awarded South African singer Tyla for her track ‘Water.’

However, controversy arose when the late Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s classic ‘Water No Get Enemy,’ was played during the announcement.

The Recording Academy declared Tyla’s ‘Water’ as the recipient of the first-ever Best African Music Performance award, triumphing over notable tracks by Nigerian artists such as Davido’s ‘Unavailable,’ Asake’s ‘Amapiano,’ Burna Boy’s ‘City Boys,’ and Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush.’

However, the celebratory moment turned into confusion and disappointment as Fela’s timeless masterpiece echoed through the venue instead of Tyla’s sexually-themed mid-tempo track.

The mix-up sparked a wave of reactions from fans and music critics, particularly in Nigeria, who took to social media to express their discontent with the Recording Academy’s apparent blunder.

Many criticized the organizers for what they deemed a “silly mistake” that overshadowed the significance of the award and disrespected the memory of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, a towering figure in African music history.

See reactions below here:

AlvinAdegoke penned: “Abi Grammy think say nah tyla water be this 🫠😹.”

iam_Daposh noted: “You sure say no be Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s “Water” Tyla submit to #Grammy’s.”

adepromise said: “Abi Tyla submitted Fela Water to Win Grammy. We need to do our investigation.”

Mayo6Tee reacted: “They Submitted which Water lol 😂 🤣🤣😂😂 .. @RecordingAcad you’ve done it again.”

bruzieee wrote: “This is pure foolishness, why use Fela song titled Water? Are they ashamed to play the song that got the award?”.

See below;

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