At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 1, 2026, Nigerian Afrobeats icon Davido once again made waves on the global stage — but not in the way some fans were hoping. The superstar was hotly tipped to secure his first Grammy trophy, yet the night ended without a win despite a powerful nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for his hit “With You” featuring Omah Lay.
From the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the Grammys celebrated a dazzling array of international music talent. While global heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny dominated major categories, African music continued its rise — with fierce competition among continent’s brightest stars.
In the Best African Music Performance category specifically, South African sensation Tyla clinched the award with her smash hit “Push 2 Start,” edging out Davido and fellow Nigerian nominees including Burna Boy and Ayra Starr. This marks Tyla’s second Grammy win in the category, reinforcing her growing global appeal.
For Davido, this was his fifth Grammy nomination — a testament to his consistency and impact on the world music scene. Even though the trophy didn’t come home this time, his presence on the Grammy nominee list continues to solidify Afrobeats’ permanent seat at the world table.
What This Means for Afrobeats and Davido
Despite the loss, Davido’s journey reflects the long arc of respect and influence. He’s now not just an international star; he’s also a voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy, helping shape future awards and lending an authentic African voice to the global music conversation.
Davido himself has moved beyond just awards — with major tours on the horizon and a confirmed performance slot at Coachella 2026, one of the world’s biggest music festivals.
Final Take
Grammy glory didn’t land in Davido’s hands this year — but make no mistake, this man is still a major force in global music. Nominations don’t lie, and the world’s listening. Stay tuned — the next chapter is coming fast.
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