Davido's Team Announces Grammy Boycott Following Fifth Consecutive Loss
The aftermath of the 2026 Grammy Awards has been marked by significant controversy as Davido's camp has taken a firm stance against the prestigious music ceremony. Following the Afrobeats superstar's fifth nomination loss, his close aide Israel DMW has publicly declared that Davido will no longer attend future Grammy events, accusing the awards of being tainted by political maneuvering.
The Breaking Point: Another Grammy Defeat
During the 68th Grammy Awards held on February 1, 2026, Davido suffered another disappointing loss in the Best African Music Performance category. South African singer Tyla emerged victorious with her song Push 2 Start, beating not only Davido but also other prominent Afrobeats artists including Burna Boy and Ayra Starr. This marked Davido's fifth unsuccessful Grammy nomination, a pattern that has clearly reached a breaking point for his team.
Israel DMW's Explosive Statement
Taking to his Instagram story, Israel DMW did not mince words in expressing his frustration with the Grammy selection process. In a strongly worded post that has since gone viral, he stated: "Let them f*ck off with their Grammy of deep politics. We would no longer honour future invitation." This declaration represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between Nigerian artists and the Recording Academy, suggesting a complete boycott of future ceremonies by one of Africa's biggest music stars.
Cubana Chief Priest Adds Controversial Perspective
Adding another layer to the controversy, celebrity businessman and socialite Cubana Chief Priest offered his own interpretation of events. The longtime Davido ally suggested that external forces were attempting to break the singer's spirit, framing the Grammy outcome as a test of resilience. According to his social media posts, he believes certain global powers are trying to pressure Davido into what he described as "demonic" alliances, encouraging the artist to remain focused and channel his disappointment into creative energy.
Davido's Graceful Response
Despite the strong reactions from his team, Davido himself has maintained a more measured public response. The singer took to Instagram to share photographs from the awards ceremony with his wife, accompanied by a message of faith and perseverance. He wrote that God remains on his side despite the loss, concluding his post with prayerful emojis and musical symbols. His sister Sharon Adeleke also offered support through social media, sharing a biblical verse that reads: "At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen."
Broader Implications for Nigerian Music
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between African artists and international award organizations. Many Nigerian music fans have long expressed concerns about what they perceive as bias in global music awards, particularly regarding the recognition of Afrobeats artists. Davido's fifth consecutive loss and his team's subsequent boycott announcement have reignited debates about:
- The transparency of award selection processes
- Representation of African artists on global platforms
- The psychological impact of repeated nomination losses on artists
- The power dynamics between Western award bodies and non-Western musicians
Historical Context of Grammy Recognition
While Davido has yet to secure a Grammy win, other Nigerian artists have achieved varying degrees of recognition at the awards. Burna Boy has previously won in the Best Global Music Album category, while Asake celebrated his 2024 nomination in the same Best African Music Performance category that has proven elusive for Davido. This pattern of selective recognition has fueled discussions about consistency and fairness in how African artists are evaluated by international award bodies.
The current controversy raises important questions about the future relationship between Nigerian musicians and the Grammy Awards. As one of Africa's most prominent music markets continues to grow in global influence, how award organizations engage with Nigerian artists may need to evolve to reflect changing dynamics in the international music landscape.
