Joining the prestigious Grammy Voting Panel grants Afrobeats superstar Davido the authority to influence nominations and award decisions. With the Grammys being the pinnacle of global music accolades, this marks a critical step in his career and for African music representation.
In a video shared by the Recording Academy, Davido stated, "This is a transformative moment. I’ve learned how voting empowers individuals to shape what should be celebrated and prioritized each year."
He expressed his pride in being a member of the Grammy Voting Body, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute meaningfully to the award's decision-making processes.
In 2024, Davido reached a significant milestone by competing in five Grammy categories, making history as one of the first African artists to achieve this feat.
While he did not win in any category that year, his Grammy nominations served as a launching pad for his rising presence within the international music industry.
In 2025, Davido was once again recognized with Grammy nominations, thanks to his standout collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay on the hit track "Sensational."
This song competed in the newly introduced category of Best African Music Performance. However, Tems ultimately won this category for her celebrated track, "Love Me Jeje."
Davido's induction into the Recording Academy reflects the organization's commitment to expanding membership diversity and uplifting artists from underrepresented regions, especially Africa.
This milestone comes as Afrobeats continues its unprecedented growth, establishing itself as one of the top global music genres.
The Recording Academy revealed that Grammy voting for the 2026 awards will kick off on October 3, 2025. Members are encouraged to review nominees, listen to their submissions, and cast their votes early to ensure meaningful engagement in shaping results.
Having Davido among the voting members is expected to bolster African representation and amplify the influence of continental artists on worldwide stages.
Recent years have proven groundbreaking for African artists at the Grammys, with historic achievements showcasing their extraordinary talent:
Burna Boy won the 2021 Grammy for his album "Twice As Tall," recognized as Best Global Music Album. This marked the first time an African was directly honored in this category.
In 2023, Tems earned a Grammy for her remarkable work on "Wait For U," a collaboration with Future and Drake. She further solidified her reputation in 2025 by clinching the Best African Music Performance award.
In 2024, Tyla from South Africa secured her first Grammy win for her viral hit "Water." This accomplishment made her the first South African woman to win a Grammy in the International Music category. Other prominent African names, including Wizkid, Angélique Kidjo, and Seun Kuti, have added their contributions to the rich history of this prestigious awards ceremony.
Davido expressed his honor at officially becoming a Grammy voter and pledged his commitment to promoting African music and culture on a global scale.
He reaffirmed that his voice would be used to uplift African music internationally, strengthening the genre's position in modern music