Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially become a voting member of the Recording Academy, giving him a direct say in the outcome of the Grammy Awards ahead of the 2026 edition.
For Davido, the move represents more than just recognition. It is personal. “I have learned that voting empowers you to have a say in what is considered and voted on in each season,” he said in a video message, describing the milestone as “a game-changer.” The singer added that he feels honoured to join the ranks of global creatives shaping the Grammys.
This achievement comes after a bittersweet journey with the Academy. Davido earned his first three Grammy nominations at the 2024 awards but went home empty-handed. His 2025 nomination, through his collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay on Sensational, also slipped away when Tems’ Love Me Jeje clinched the Best African Music Performance award. Now, with a seat at the table, Davido transitions from being just a hopeful nominee to an influencer in the voting process.
Davido’s membership continues a growing trend of Nigerian creatives taking up space in the Academy. Entertainment executive Abiodun “Bizzle” Osikoya, rapper Laycon, R&B singer Praiz, and Afropop artist Jaywon have all been inducted in recent years, advocating for stronger Nigerian representation.
Davido’s new role signifies more than personal triumph. It reflects the rising global weight of Nigerian music. As Afrobeats continues to sweep international stages, his inclusion demonstrates the belief that Nigerian voices are not just participating but also helping to decide who gets celebrated on the world’s biggest music platform.
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Wow, Davido joining the Grammy Academy is huge! Honestly, I was a bit sad he didnt win that last nomination, but this feels like a much bigger win. It’s cool that he gets a real say now, not just hope. Seeing Nigerians like Laycon and Jaywon get in before him makes me feel even better about where Afrobeats is heading globally. It’s great that Nigerian artists are pushing for more representation from the inside out. This shows the world isn’t just listening to Nigerian music; they’re trusting Nigerian artists to help decide what’s great. Definitely a game-changer for Afrobeats on the world stage!