‘This is America’ first rap song to win Grammy Record of the Year

Los Angeles, Feb 11 (IANS) Childish Gambino won Record of the Year at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards here for his political anthem "This Is America", making history as the first rap song ever to take home the honour.

With Gambino, whose real name is Donald Glover, absent from the festivities, the prestigous award on Sunday night was accepted on behalf of co-writer and producer Ludwig Goransson, engineer/mixer Derek "MixedByAli" Ali and mastering engineer Mike Bozzi, reports billboard.com.

"Creating music with Childish Gambino has been one of the greatest stories of my life," Goransson told the audience.

"As a kid growing up in Sweden, loving American music, I always dreamt of migrating here, working with an artiste like Donald Glover.

"I really wish he was here with us right now,Abcause this trulyAwas his vision, and he desreves this credit," he continued.

"No matter where you're born or what country you're from, you connect with it. It speaks to people. It connects right to your soul. It calls out injustice, celebrates life, and reunites us, all at the same time."

The producer also took a moment to shout-out to rapper 21 Savage, who is currently being held without bond by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and therefore wasn't able to perform at the Grammys.

"21 Savage, you should be here tonight," Goransson added.

"This is America", an intricately woven protest song that touches on racism, discrimination and mass shootings in the country, among other topics, also became the first rap track to win Song of the Year earlier on Sunday.

The song also won Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Music video for its Hiro Murai-directed viral clip.