Top 5 African women who have won Grammy awards

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At a Glance

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• Angélique Kidjo and Sade Adu lead with multiple Grammys, blending African roots with jazz, funk, and soul to shape decades of global musical excellence.
• Tems and Tyla represent a rising generation, infusing Afrobeats and R&B into Grammy-winning sounds that captivate international audiences.
• Miriam Makeba’s historic 1966 Grammy win set the stage for generations of African women who now influence the global stage through music and activism.

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African women continue to redefine global music with talent, versatility, and relentless dedication. From veterans to rising stars, Grammy recognition has become a testament to their excellence.

Beninese legend Angélique Kidjo leads with five Grammy wins, lauded for her genre-blending sound rooted in African traditions. Sade Adu, the British-Nigerian icon, captured four Grammys with her smooth, soulful style that shaped global pop in the ’80s and ’90s.

Tems, with two Grammy wins, including Best Melodic Rap Performance, represents a new era of Afrobeats-infused R&B.

At the same time, South Africa’s Miriam Makeba paved the way with a historic win in 1966, using music as a tool for activism. Tyla made history in 2024, winning Best African Music Performance for “Water,” becoming the youngest African soloist ever to win a Grammy.

At the 2025 Grammy Awards, hosted once again by Trevor Noah, African women were front and center. Kidjo and Tems both earned nominations, reinforcing their staying power.

Their impact reflects more than awards—it’s about breaking boundaries, amplifying African voices, and inspiring a new generation. These women embody a powerful fusion of artistry and resilience that continues to shape the global soundscape.

1. Angelique Kidjo
   Won 5 Grammy Awards for her work in various categories, including Best World Music Album for “Eve” and “Sings” with the Philharmonic Orchestra of Luxembourg. She’s known for her eclectic sound, which blends African traditions with jazz, funk, and other genres.

2. Sade Adu
   Won 4 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for Lovers Rock. Renowned for her smooth contralto voice and timeless blend of soul, jazz, and quiet storm, she led her band Sade to global acclaim with hits like “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love.”

3. Tems
   Won 2 Grammy Awards, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on “Wait For U” with Future and Drake. Celebrated for her soulful voice and genre-defying sound, Tems blends Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative influences, marking her as one of Nigeria’s most globally recognized contemporary artists.
   

4. Miriam Makeba
   Won a Grammy Award for Best Folk Recording for “An Evening With Belafonte/Makeba” in 1966. She’s a legendary South African singer and civil rights activist who was a key figure in popularizing African music globally.
   

5. Tyla
   Won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song “Water” in 2024. She’s the youngest African soloist to win a Grammy Award, making her a trailblazer for young African artists.