Despite the critical success of his album "Vulture Prince", a successful marriage of Sufi inspirations and folk, jazz and pop, Arooj Aftab, 37, was pessimistic about his chances of competing one day for a gramophone, a trophy awarded during this prestigious ceremony.

"I didn't think it would happen," she told AFP.

And yet, "I thought to myself that this should be normal".

Among ten nominees, including rappers Baby Keem and The Kid Laroi, rapper Saweetie, singer Arlo Parks, Finneas -- Billie Eilish's brother -- or groups Glass Animals and Japanese Breakfast, Arooj Aftab feels in the "most representative" category.

"This group in itself is already a bit of a victory," she adds.

"Weight"

This eclecticism in genres and backgrounds reflects the efforts of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences ("The Recording Academy") for greater diversity at the Grammy Awards.

A work started a few years ago, and which is illustrated above all by the increase from five to eight, then ten nominated for the four most prestigious awards (best album, recording, song, and revelation).

(lr) Allenbeck Etienne, Joshua Johnson, Tarriona 'Tank' Ball, and Norman Spence of Tank and the Bangas at the 2020 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles Amy Sussman Getty/AFP/Archives

But Arooj Aftab will also find himself facing pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo, who has shattered the listening records and is a favorite.

And if the 19-year-old Californian, already known to all, wins, it will be a disappointment for those who defend bolder choices.

Still, for Tarriona "Tank" Ball, of New Orleans band Tank and the Bangas, nominated in 2020 and beaten by Billie Eilish, just being there "carries weight."

"I don't feel like I lost that night. We feel like winners," she told AFP.

"Realists"

Darius Van Arman, founder of the Secretly Group, a group of independent labels, warns against letting awards shows "be the definition of success in the music business".

However, they "open doors for certain artists and create career opportunities that they wouldn't otherwise have," adds the boss of Secretly Group, which notably represents Bon Iver, winner of a Grammy in 2012, Phoebe Bridgers and Japanese Breakfast.

Tank keeps a concrete memory of it.

"The cameras start coming, then the media catches you and they find you, wherever you are," she says.

Michelle Zauner, of the group Japanese Breakfast, in concert in Las Vegas in December 2019 Ethan Miller Getty/AFP/Archives

"And then you realize it's a big deal," she says.

"Everywhere I go, I only hear + twice Grammy nominated, twice Grammy nominated +", laughs Arooj Aftab, also a candidate for an award with her song "Mohabbat".

"I think it will have a lasting effect on my career," says the singer.

Darius Van Arman hails the "progress" of the Academy to be "more inclusive with regard to artists, whether they are on major labels or independent labels".

But for Arooj Aftab, we must remain "realistic about our expectations of them".

"What are the ethics of the Grammys? Is it about being fair and representing everyone? Or are they just part of the industry and the ratings...and giving the masses that they want, i.e. Olivia Rodrigo or Taylor Swift?"

Jokingly, she assures us that her goal on Sunday will be "not to wince in heels".

"I'm looking forward to having a good time and meeting people," she adds.

© 2022 AFP