BASEL, Switzerland – In a landmark victory, Nigerian singer Justina Ogunlolu, widely known by her stage name Justina Lee Brown, clinched the 2024 Swiss Blues Award, making her the first African artiste to win this prestigious accolade.
The announcement was made on Friday, April 19, 2024 at the Volkshaus Basel in Switzerland.
Brown, who faced stiff competition from nominees such as Federico Albertoni and Manu Hartmann, was selected by an independent jury of experts in what has become a significant acknowledgment of her contributions to the music scene.
The singer, originally known for her hit “Omo 2 Sexy” under the name “Justina”, has successfully transitioned from being an emerging Afrobeats diva to a powerhouse in Afro-funk, Jazz, Blues, and Soul genres.
Having relocated to Europe, Lee Brown has left an indelible mark on the music industry with performances across numerous European stages.
She has released two albums, with her 2023 album ‘Lost Child’ winning the “Best Self-produced Album” by the Swiss Blues Society.
The Swiss Blues Award, organised annually by the Blues Festival Basel association, celebrates those who significantly impact the Swiss blues scene, whether as artists, promoters, or supporters.