Five-time Grammy nominee and Nigerian music superstar Davido has once again missed out on winning a Grammy Award, losing in the Best African Music Performance category to South African singer and songwriter Tyla.
The 66th Grammy Awards ceremony took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The event featured appearances from global music heavyweights, including Billie Eilish and Kendrick Lamar.
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments of the night was the award for Best African Music Performance. Many fans and music enthusiasts believed that Davido was the frontrunner, praising the melodious structure of his song, its appealing beats and lyrics, as well as the infectious guest verse from Omah Lay. However, Tyla emerged as the winner, marking her second triumph in this category; she first claimed the award when it was introduced in 2024.
Despite this loss, Davido’s presence at the Grammys is not new. The Afrobeats icon has received a total of five Grammy nominations. In 2024, he received three nominations: Best Global Music Performance for “Feel,” Best Global Music Album for “Timeless,” and Best African Music Performance for “Unavailable.” In 2025, his collaboration with Chris Brown on “Sensational” earned him another nomination, followed by yet another nomination in 2026 for his hit song “With You.”
While Davido continues to be a consistent presence at the Grammys and remains one of Africa’s strongest musical exports—known for showcasing the continent’s diverse and authentic sound—he has yet to secure a win from the Recording Academy.
The lingering question remains: will Davido eventually win a Grammy?
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Story by Theo Davids|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Anita Azawodie
