NAIROBI, Kenya- The 2025 Grammy Awards were more than just a celebration of music—they were a night of groundbreaking achievements, emotional speeches, and a touch of technological innovation.
From Beyoncé’s long-awaited Album of the Year victory to Kendrick Lamar’s historic wins, the evening was filled with unforgettable moments.
Here’s a breakdown of the night’s most significant milestones and how artists made history at the Grammys.
The #Grammys2025 pays tribute to Liam Payne in their memoriam. 🕊️❤️
Beyoncé Breaks Records with Cowboy Carter
Beyoncé’s victory in the Album of the Year category was a crowning moment for her latest release, Cowboy Carter.
Not only did she win the top prize for an album that challenged the norms of Nashville’s country music industry, but she also made Grammy history by surpassing her husband, Jay-Z, with 99 nominations—breaking his previous record of 88.
The win capped off an already impressive night for the artist, solidifying her place in Grammy history.
As if that wasn’t enough, Beyoncé’s impact continues to resonate, proving that her talent and dedication to her craft are unmatched.
Kendrick Lamar Dominates with Record and Song of the Year
Kendrick Lamar’s presence at the 2025 Grammys was undeniable.
The rapper took home Record of the Year and Song of the Year for his track “Not Like Us,” a song that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
During his acceptance speech, Lamar dedicated the Record of the Year award to Los Angeles, particularly to the communities impacted by the recent wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades.
His gesture added an emotional layer to an already historic night, further solidifying his place in the industry.
Lamar’s wins this year emphasize the power of music not only as entertainment but also as a force for social change.
🏆 @kendricklamar locks in 5️⃣ #GRAMMYS. 🎶 Song of the Year 🎶 Record of the Year 🎶 Best Rap Song 🎶 Best Rap Performance 🎶 Best Music Video
A.I. and Chappell Roan Steal the Spotlight
The night wasn’t just about the heavyweights—newcomers like Chappell Roan also shined brightly.
After winning Best New Artist, Roan delivered a heartfelt speech calling for more support for emerging artists, specifically pushing for record labels to provide healthcare to those still building their careers.
The audience listened intently, with Roan’s words sparking conversations around the challenges faced by developing artists in the music industry.
Meanwhile, in a surprising twist, The Beatles won Best Rock Performance for their “final” song, “Now and Then,” which was completed with the help of artificial intelligence.
The award was accepted by John Lennon’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, marking another moment of the intersection between art and technology.
This year’s Grammy ceremony made it clear: the music industry is embracing new tools while maintaining the emotional power of the classics.
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Grammy Awards were a reflection of how far the music industry has come—and where it’s headed.
With groundbreaking wins for Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Chappell Roan, the night was full of powerful moments.
From celebrating new talent to honoring legends, the ceremony also highlighted the evolving role of technology in the creative process, as seen in The Beatles’ AI-assisted win.
Clarity Needed on Kenya’s Grammy Involvement
Back home, the controversy surrounding President Ruto’s claims about Kenya’s involvement with the Grammy Awards has since died down, but the confusion still lingers in creative circles.
Ruto initially claimed Kenya had paid Sh500 million to secure a position in the Grammy initiative, but the Recording Academy quickly denied these claims, clarifying that it doesn’t accept payments from foreign governments.
While the uproar has subsided, the incident highlighted the importance of clear communication as Kenyan creatives eye bigger opportunities ahead.
