In a moment that sent shockwaves through the music world, Nigerian producer extraordinaire Chopstix added a golden gramophone to his mantle, clinching a Grammy at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards earlier this month. The win, celebrated on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marked a pinnacle for the beat maestro, whose real name remains a quiet footnote to his larger-than-life sound. Recognized for his production work on “Nightmares” from Chris Brown’s acclaimed 11:11 album, Chopstix’s triumph is more than a personal victory—it’s a beacon for Nigeria’s ever-rising influence in global music.
The Grammy win came in the Best R&B Song category, a nod to the haunting, soulful layers Chopstix wove into “Nightmares.” The track, a standout on Brown’s 2023 release, melds introspective lyrics with a hypnotic beat, showcasing Chopstix’s signature ability to fuse Afrobeats sensibilities with international R&B flair. Social media erupted as the announcement echoed from LA to Lagos, with fans and fellow artists hailing the producer’s ascent.
Born and bred in Lagos, Chopstix has long been a quiet force in the industry, crafting hits for heavyweights like Ice Prince, Burna Boy, and now, Chris Brown. His journey to the Grammy stage wasn’t overnight. Years of grinding in Nigeria’s bustling music scene—where he honed his craft amid the rise of Afrobeats—laid the foundation. Collaborations with international stars followed, but it was “Nightmares” that crystallized his genius for the Recording Academy’s voters. “This is for every producer in the trenches dreaming big,” Chopstix said in a brief but heartfelt acceptance speech, clutching the award as cameras flashed. “Naija to the world!”
The win places Chopstix among a growing cadre of Nigerian talents—think Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems—who’ve turned Grammys into a familiar sight on Lagos shelves. Yet, his story resonates uniquely. Known for humility as much as his beats, Chopstix has shunned the spotlight, letting his music do the talking. “He’s the kind of guy who’ll cook a hit and then disappear to eat pounded yam in peace,” quipped a Lagos-based music journalist, reflecting the producer’s low-key vibe.
Back home, the Grammy has sparked celebrations and conversations. Industry insiders see it as a launchpad for more Nigerian producers to break into mainstream Western markets. “Chopstix winning isn’t just about him—it’s proof our sound is undeniable,” said DJ Obi, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s nightlife scene.
For Chopstix, the golden statuette isn’t the endgame. Sources close to him hint at new projects simmering—rumors swirl of sessions with other global icons and a potential solo EP. As he basks in the glow of his February triumph, one thing is clear: Chopstix isn’t just riding the Afrobeats wave—he’s helping steer it, one Grammy-winning beat at a time.
