Wednesday 15 February 2012

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards – Femi Kuti, The African Connection, Winners & MORE Photos



Once again, Nigeria’s very own, Femi Kuti, was eluded by the most coveted award in the music industry today, the Grammy Award. The passionate and politically-oriented artist was nominated in the best world music album category for his “Africa for Africa” album. This is his third Grammy nomination and apparently, it seems the American stars are not in his favour, pun intended. As a result, the award for the category was won by Tinariwen for their album, “Tassili“. Tinariwen is a group of poet-guitarists (who refer to themselves as soul rebels) from the Southern Sahara desert. And, their music is about their people, the Kel Tamashek or ‘Touareg’ of the Southern Sahara desert. We do surely hope that in the more recent future our Nigerian brethren shall be no further snubbed by the Grammy’s.
The most recently concluded 54th Annual Grammy Awards was far from regular. The Grammy awards, that are always a big deal, even to the everyday joe on the street, were like no other this year. The Grammy’s, which are the epitome of prestige, class, success, you name it, in the music industry, for those who don’t know, stand for “Great Recording Artists Making Music“. This year’s event started off quite dramatically. And, with the ever-so-tragic death of an icon, Whitney Houston, (at the age of 48) the day before; rumours spread on the internet like wildfire that the event might be moved. But,  on the contrary, the show went on as planned. Accordingly, a tribute by the thirty year songstress, Jennifer Hudson was performed during the event. She sang an acappella of Whitney Houston’s hit “I Will Always Love You” in a lone spotlight as a video montage of artists and music industry executives who passed away in the last year began. Overcome with emotion, the 30-year old American idol alum held back her tears during her performance.
Many came to tears during this stunning event as the tensions soared emotions into the air. Adele, the “rolling in the deep” songstress was broken down to tears as she won a whopping six Grammy Awards that night. She won for record of the year, album of the year; song of the year, best pop solo performance; best pop vocal album and best short form music video. This feat was a record tie with Beyonce; both won six in one night. She also sang her voice out as she did her first performance since her throat surgery during the glamourous event which brought quite a massive standing ovation.
Adele tears up while receiving one of her six Grammy's
Adele's Stunning Performance
Adele cradling her six awards like babies
The stunning event was hosted by musician/actor, LL Cool J who started off the event with prayers for the late great Whitney Houston. Other note worthy performances came from Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift; Coldplay and Rihanna(individually and as a duet); whose stage performances were filled with excitement, eye-catching costumes and aesthetic displays.
The Host, LL Cool J during an opening prayer
Bruno Mars performs his set
Taylor Swift in action
Rihanna surprises no one with her raunchy performance
Rihanna joins Coldplay to perform "Princess of China"
Nicki Minaj's stunning performance premiering her new single "Roman Holiday"
Recently divorced Katy Perry gives a great performance and magnificent display
Katy Perry croons on like she hadn't a trouble in the world
Chris Brown returns to the Grammy's after two years to perform
David Guetta & Chris Brown Wow-ing the audience
Other note worthy award winners include:
Tony Bennett Amy Winehouse (whose parents received the post-humous award for her) for best pop duo/group performance;
Corinne Bailey Rae for best R&B performance;
Cee-Lo Green Melanie Fiona for best traditional R&B performance;
Chris Brown for best R&B album;
Bon Iver for best new artist;
Jay-Z Kanye West for best rap performance;
Kanye West for Best rap/sung collaboration, best rap album and best rap song and finally,
Taylor Swift for best country song & best country solo performance.
Taylor Swift & Melanie Fiona, each holding their 2 Grammy's
As is the norm of the Grammy’s, many guests wooed on the red carpet and their outfits ranged from the elegant to outrageous, from glamourous to “what was she thinking?”. Here is a peak at some of photos from the glamourous event.
Adele in her glam gown

Kelly Rowland
Alicia Keys with her hubby, Swizz Beats

Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose
Singer, Sasha Gradiva in her awe-inspiring ensemble
Katy Perry was all blue for the red carpet
Taylor looking glamorous
Singer, Robyn in her boots...
The Host, LL Cool J
Rihanna brought her dad and brother, Rajad as her dates for the event
Rihanna
Simple dress... simply stunning
Nicki Minaj went "Gaga" with her red riding hood ensemble and someone in a pope outfit
Carrie Underwood looking elegant
Model, Sade in her mini gown
Adam Levine and his model girlfriend, Anne V
Mary Mary
Bruno Mars
Kirk Franklin and wife
Common
"Underworld" Actress, Kate Beckinsale in her Grecian-inspired mini gown
Corinne Bailey Rae
John Legend and fiancee, Chrissy Teagan
Diana Ross and actor son, Evan
J Cole and his date, his mother
Eric Benet and wife, Manuela
Reality TV stars, Ice T and wife, Coco
Fergie
Lady Gaga poses with Sir. Paul McCartney

Photo Credit: UK Daily Mail | Getty Images
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