The opening theme for Civilization IV is the first original composition associated with a video game to be a finalist nominee for a Grammy. The track, "Baba Yetu," is in the "Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists" category.
"Baba Yetu" represents one of two Grammy nominations for composer Christopher Tin. He originally created the track for Civilization IV back in 2005. Since then, professional choirs have performed it at nearly 1,000 live events, extending its popularity and attracting the notice of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, which awards the Grammys.
Tin has supplied music for other games such as World of Cars Online and Fantastic Four: The Rise of The Silver Surfer. His work faces competition from Roger Treece's "Baby", Vince Mendoza's "Based On A Thousand True Stories", Geoffrey Keezer's "Don't Explain", and Herbie Hancock and Larry Klein's "Imagine".
The 53rd annual Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 13.
Grammys Nominates First Video Game Theme, Civ IV Music [Gamasutra]