Grammys 2019 Seun Kuti loses to Soweto Gospel Choir

Afrobeat artist, Seun Kuti has failed in his bid to bring home the Grammy awards losing out to South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir.

On Sunday night, February 10, 2019, the 36 year old and son of late Fela Anikulapo Kuti lost out in the 'World Music Award' category at this years edition of the Grammys.

Nominated for his 2018 released album, ''Black Times'', Seun Kuti lost to South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir who grabbed their third Grammy Awards for the album ''Freedom'', in a category that had the likes of Bombino from Niger, Mali's Fatoumata Diawara and Soviet's Yiddish Glory.

The choir who shared the stage with Beyonce at the Global Citizen Festival in December had previously emerged as Grammy Winners in 2007 and 2008.

The album, 'Freedom' was recorded in June 2018 as part of the group's tribute to the 100 Years of Mandela celebrations and it features a selection of South African struggle songs including their version of Johnny Clegg's 'Asimbonanga.' and was released in the United States.

Soweto Gospel Choir grab a third Grammy win [Mountain Democrat] Seun Kuti loses out at the Grammys 2019 Pulse Nigeria

Receiving the award on behalf of Soweto Gospel Choir were album producer Diniloxolo Ndlakuse Shimmy Jiyane, Mary Mulovhedzi and Mulalo Mulovhedzi whose late father David Mulovhedzi co-founded the group with Producer/Director Beverly Bryer 17 years ago.

Seun, son of the Legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti was hoping to make it a lucky five time at the awards for the Kuti family following in the steps of his older brother Femi Kuti, who has been nominated on four occasions but failed to win any.

Seun Kuti's fourth studio album ''Black Times'' earned him a Grammy nomination at the 2019 edition [iTunes/SeunKuti] ece-auto-gen

Femi was nominated in 2003, 2010, 2012 and in 2014 for his album 'No Place For My Dream'.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse just before he travelled to the US for the awards, Seun Kuti had shared his optimism towards the awards and stated how much the nomination meant to him and his band.

"it is a validation from my peers to match the validation that I believe that I receive from my people and that the class that I feel I represent."

Seun Kuti had earlier performed at the Premiere event just before the main ceremony.

Another Nigerian who has also been nominated in the past is King Sunny Ade, who got the nod twice in 1983 and 1988.

The night however belonged to Childish Gambino, who despite being absent picked up four plaques including 'Song of the Year' and 'Record of the Year.'