The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album was first awarded in 1991; it was the first category in the “World” music field. This category was split into two; Best Traditional World Music Album and Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2004. The currently awarded categories in the world music field are:
- Best Traditional World Music Album - The Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album was first handed out in 2004. Before the introduction of this category a single award was presented in this field for Best World Music Album.
- Best Contemporary World Music Album - The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album was first handed out in 2004 along with the Grammy award for Best Traditional World Music Album. Before the award was split into contemporary and traditional awards artists were honored in just one category Best World Music Album.