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.
