This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
Kenyan singer J.S Ondara has made history by being nominated for the 62nd Grammy Awards, scheduled for January 26, 2020.
His debut album Tales of America, released in February 2019, has earned him a spot in the best Americana Album category.
The album, which features 11 songs based on the life of an immigrant in America, has been a critical success, with Ondara's unique voice and storytelling ability resonating with audiences.
Born and raised in Nairobi, Ondara's love for music began at a young age, but his family couldn't afford instruments. He moved to the US as a student at the age of 20 after winning a green card lottery and settled in Minnesota, where he taught himself to play and pursue a career in music.
His hard work paid off when he was featured on Billboard's Emerging Artist in March 2019 and landed on the Billboard Heatseekers Album, Americana/Folk Album Sales, and Rock Album Sales charts.
