Cubana Chiefpriest Alleges Pressure Campaign Against Davido Following Grammy Disappointment
The Nigerian music community experienced a significant letdown at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, where prominent artists Davido, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr were defeated in the Best African Music Performance category. The award was claimed by South African sensation Tyla, marking her second victory in this category since its inception in 2024.
High Hopes Dashed as Tyla Triumphs Again
On the evening of Sunday, February 1, 2026, the Grammy Awards ceremony unfolded with many Nigerians anticipating a win for their homegrown talents. However, Tyla secured the prize with her track Push 2 Start, outperforming strong contenders including Burna Boy's Love, Davido's collaboration With You featuring Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr and Wizkid's Gimme Dat. This victory follows her initial win in 2024 with the hit song Water, establishing her as a dominant force in the category.
Cubana Chiefpriest's Bold Reaction to Davido's Loss
Socialite and emerging artist Pascal Okechukwu, widely known as Cubana Chiefpriest, who is a close friend of Davido, responded passionately to the outcome. Sharing images of himself with the Afrobeats star on social media, he made a striking allegation about external pressures facing the singer.
Cubana Chiefpriest asserted that there are concerted efforts to undermine Davido's resilience, aiming to coerce him into accepting undesirable proposals. In his post, he wrote, Oyibo Dey Do Everything Possible To Break A Strong Man So He Can Do Their Demonic Sht With Them But He Will Never Do It. He further encouraged Davido to release new music, stating, Heads Up Brother, Open The Bag & Drop Another Hot One For Us. E No Dey Finish, Gbedu? Na Water.
Fan Reactions and Broader Industry Sentiments
The Grammy snub has sparked widespread discussion among netizens, with many expressing support for Davido and questioning the award's relevance. Comments from social media highlight a mix of frustration and pride in Nigerian artists' achievements independent of Grammy recognition.
- One user remarked, He has fans that loves him, he makes good music. So to hell with Grammy.
- Another commented, I will always say this @davido doesn’t need @grammys to show he is the greatest. He is the best artist in Africa.
- Some accused the Grammy organization of leveraging Davido's popularity for marketing purposes, with one noting, Those guys likes attention and that’s why they keep using our big names to trend.
This incident follows Davido's performance at the Grammy House prior to the awards, adding to the anticipation and subsequent disappointment. Meanwhile, in a related development, President Bola Tinubu honored Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who posthumously received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, becoming the first African to earn this distinction.
The debate continues as fans and industry insiders reflect on the value of international accolades versus local support and artistic integrity in the vibrant Nigerian music scene.
