Jordan Adetunji-from Belfast-is still trying to make heads of his Grammy nomination. Northern Irish hip-hop artist, he has recently been nominated for the Best Melodic Rap Performance, in the same group as music icons like Beyoncé and The Weeknd. Speaking with a deep reflection on this, Adetunji noted, “Having a song I made in my bedroom in Belfast up for a Grammy is crazy. It’s great for music coming out of Belfast-it just shows you can do anything no matter where you’re from.”.

The nomination marked a significant milestone for Adetunji, who said he found out about the news in a surreal situation. Speaking on BBC’s Across The Line, he said he initially dismissed the news, thinking it was part of a fake prediction list. “I turned my phone up after being in the studio for an hour, and I was like, why are so many people ringing me? Then I realised,” he added.

Adetunji’s career, from what could be termed persistence and innovation, has been notable. Born in Croydon, London, Adetunji moved to Belfast when he was 10 years old, and he started unleashing his talent as early as 2019 by posting rap videos on social media while in school. His big break came when TikTok highlighted his music to RCA Records. Among his fans is Bring Me the Horizon’s Oli Sykes, who chanced upon Adetunji’s track Woke Up.

The song Kehlani, which is a mix of R&B melodies and rap, has been streamed 300 million times around the globe. Adetunji attributes his success to how accessible modern technology is. “Your phone is your tool. You can do it all from your bedroom,” he said. The track’s success also attracted notable engagements, such as a FaceTime call from American artist Kehlani, who requested an open verse for a collaboration. “I remember that day like yesterday,” Adetunji said, still amazed by the experience. Also remembering was that rapper Lil Baby was one of the very first people to reach out to him after Kehlani dropped, saying he was interested in hearing more of his work.

It’s taught me a lesson to keep going, no matter what the circumstances are. It has just inspired so many aspiring artists through my journey.” Adetunji shared. “Always think of new ways of getting your content out there. If it’s not working today, try again tomorrow. You only fail when you give up.”

Dr Adetunji is said to be working on his latest work, a seamless blend of several drum patterns and tunes that draw from R&B. Unreleased stuff in his shows have got good reviews, and he says, “The crowds have been taking to my music quite well. They loved the unreleased music, which was really reassuring.”.

Adetunji’s nomination is a reminder to show that even talent and willpower can drive people to jump over barriers. “The world is so big, and there is such a way for people to discover you. Don’t give up,” he urged. “You can make it happen.”

Other Irish talent will feature at the 67th Grammy Awards, which will be held on February 2 in Los Angeles. Dublin-based post-punk band Fontaines D.C. was nominated for Best Rock Album for their fourth album, Romance, and Best Alternative Music Performance for single Starbuster.

Adetunji said she is proud of the story her nominations tell: “A celebration of possibility and perseverance – that could it too be possible where they started?”.