Davido did not win any award at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, extending his run of Grammy nominations without a victory. Despite strong fan expectations and widespread support, the Nigerian superstar once again left music’s biggest night without a trophy.
The Nomination
Davido was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category for “With You” featuring Omah Lay, a track from his 2025 album 5IVE. The nomination marked his fifth Grammy nod overall, following previous nominations including “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys in 2024 and “Sensational” featuring Chris Brown in 2025.
The category was fiercely competitive and heavily represented by Nigerian acts, including Burna Boy (“Love”) and Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid (“Gimme Dat”), alongside Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin (“Hope & Love”).
The Outcome
The award ultimately went to South African star Tyla for “Push 2 Start”, giving her a second consecutive win in the category after her 2024 victory with “Water”. Tyla’s back-to-back success further solidified her global rise while reigniting conversations around African music representation at the Grammys.
Online Reactions and Nigerian Response
Following the announcement, reactions poured in across social media platforms, particularly on X and Nigerian forums such as Nairaland. While some fans described the result as a “robbery,” others acknowledged Tyla’s growing international impact and felt the award was deserved.
The moment also sparked renewed debate about the Best African Music Performance category itself. Critics questioned voting patterns and called attention to the dominance of Nigerian artists in nominations versus South African artists in wins. Some fans revisited Davido’s past comments advocating for stronger African-owned award institutions, with calls for an “African Grammys” resurfacing online.
Amid the disappointment, supportive and humorous posts also circulated, with fans emphasizing Davido’s continued dominance, influence, and cultural relevance.
A Broader Grammy Night for Nigeria
Notably, no Nigerian artist won a Grammy at the 2026 ceremony, despite strong nominations across African and global music categories. The result highlighted both the global recognition of Afrobeats and the ongoing challenges African artists face in converting nominations into wins.
Visibility Without the Trophy
Davido was visibly present throughout Grammy weekend, attending the ceremony with his wife Chioma and performing at Grammy House during pre-show events. While the night did not add to his Grammy tally, it reinforced his status as one of Africa’s most visible global music figures.
Looking Ahead
Despite the outcome, Davido’s legacy remains firmly intact. With global tours, chart success, and one of the most loyal fan bases in African music, many believe a Grammy win is only a matter of time as Afrobeats continues to expand its influence worldwide.
For now, the 2026 Grammys serve as another reminder that recognition does not always come with trophies, even for artists whose impact is undeniable.
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