The northern Irish hip-hop artist reflects on his Grammy nomination and the journey from his Belfast bedroom to global recognition.

Northern Irish rapper Jordan Adetunji has made history with his Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance, a category he shares with global superstars Beyoncé and The Weeknd. The 24-year-old artist, originally from Croydon, London, but raised in Belfast, has captivated audiences worldwide with his song Kehlani, which has amassed over 300 million streams globally. Reflecting on his unexpected nomination, Adetunji expressed disbelief and excitement, telling BBC’s Across The Line, “Having a song that I made in my bedroom in Belfast be up for a Grammy is crazy.”

The track, which blends R&B melodies with rap elements, has made a significant impact on the music scene, earning Adetunji recognition far beyond his hometown. “It’s great for music coming out of Belfast; it just shows you can do anything no matter where you’re from,” he added, a sentiment that has resonated with many aspiring artists from underrepresented regions.

Adetunji’s rise to fame is a testament to the power of social media. Initially, he gained traction by posting rap videos on platforms like TikTok, where his authentic sound caught the attention of RCA Records and even brought him into the orbit of high-profile figures in the music industry. He was discovered by Bring Me the Horizon’s Oli Sykes after his viral track Woke Up, which ultimately led to a recording contract.

Despite the success, Adetunji was caught off guard by his Grammy nomination. “That’s why it was such a surprise,” he said. “When it came out, I thought it was maybe one of those fake prediction lists. But then I turned my phone on, and I realised—everyone was calling me.”

His journey is a powerful reminder of the limitless potential of technology. “Your phone is your tool,” Adetunji said. “You can do it all from your bedroom.” This ethos is central to his message for young artists—no matter the odds or circumstances, perseverance and innovation can lead to success.

Adetunji’s advice for aspiring musicians echoes his own experience: “Always think of new ways of getting your content out there. Always be on the ball. If it’s not doing, try again tomorrow.” His focus on resilience is evident in his own journey, where he continues to push boundaries with his music. The artist has been working on his next project, blending R&B and rap with experimental drum patterns to create a fresh sound. His music has already found a warm reception in America, with live audiences praising his unreleased tracks.

In addition to his solo success, Adetunji has received support from major artists like American rapper Lil Baby, who reached out to him after hearing Kehlani. The song’s namesake, singer-songwriter Kehlani, also showed interest, FaceTiming Adetunji while out at a club to ask for an “open verse.” Reflecting on those moments, he said, “I remember that day like yesterday.”

As he prepares for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which will take place in Los Angeles on February 2, 2024, Adetunji’s journey continues to inspire. “The world is so big, and there is such a way for people to discover you, so don’t give up. You only fail when you give up,” he said, offering encouragement to anyone chasing their dreams. Alongside Adetunji’s achievement, Dublin-based post-punk group Fontaines D.C. has also received Grammy nominations, marking another significant milestone for Irish music. With Kehlani continuing to gain traction, Adetunji’s career is just beginning, proving that talent, persistence, and the right platforms can make global success possible.