By Ghazali Ibrahim
Nigerians have taken to social media to express anger, disappointment and sympathy after Afrobeats star Davido failed to win at the 2026 Grammy Awards, extending his long wait for the prestigious global honour.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, lost in the Best African Music Performance category at the 68th Grammy Awards to South African singer Tyla whose ‘push 2 start’ earn her the award.
The outcome sparked an immediate backlash online, with fans describing the decision as unfair and accusing the Recording Academy of repeatedly overlooking the Nigerian superstar.
On X, Instagram and Facebook, hashtags supporting Davido trended across Nigeria, with many users insisting he deserved the award based on his impact and consistency in pushing Afrobeats globally.
Some fans labelled him “the most influential African artist of his generation,” while others argued that the Grammys do not fully understand African music and its cultural context.
The loss has also reignited debates about Davido’s Grammy record. With five nominations so far and no win, some commentators compared his repeated near-misses to Nigerian politicians known for contesting elections multiple times without success. Others urged the singer to stop submitting his work for Grammy consideration altogether, saying international awards should not define his legacy.
Not all reactions were critical. Many Nigerians rallied around the singer, praising his resilience and contributions to the music industry.
Several fans pointed out that Davido remains one of Africa’s most streamed and commercially successful artists, regardless of awards, and encouraged him to keep focusing on his craft.
The mixed reactions highlight Davido’s massive influence in Nigeria’s pop culture space, where his successes and setbacks often trigger national conversations.
While the Grammy drought continues, supporters insist his impact on Afrobeats and Nigerian music’s global rise remains unquestionable.
