Davido, Burna Boy, Others Misses Out on Grammy Award, Nigerians React

In a shocking turn of events at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, on Sunday, Nigerian music sensations, including Davido, Burna boy, Asake and Ayra Starr faced a disappointing defeat as they lost in all their nominated categories.

Afrobeats singer, David Adeleke popularly known as Davido continues his search for his first Grammy award after losing out on all three nominations at the 66th Grammy Awards.

Davido was nominated in three categories: Best Global Music Performance, Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance but lost all three on Sunday night.

In same vein, the other four Nigerian artistes nominated— Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Olamide and Asake, also failed to make the list of winners.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Tyla went home with her first Grammy Award as she won the Best Global Music Performance category at the Grammys.

Tyla who had her breakthrough with the hit song ‘Water’ in 2023 defeated a line-up of Nigerian artistes that includes Davido, Burna boy, Asake and Ayra Starr.

Before the Grammy ceremony, Davido had expressed optimism about winning his first Grammy.

In an interview with Billboard’s Tetris Kelly, Davido said he would go into wild celebration if he clinches the award for the Best African Music Performance category.

Speaking further, Davido said an African music category at the premier global music award was long overdue.

“I feel good being a nominee for the first time and getting three nominations. But the Best African Music Performance category feels long overdue for African music to be celebrated. I’m talking about generations way before mine, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade… Sunny Ade has been nominated, I believe, but now there is an African category.

“If there was an African category years ago, a lot of people would have had the opportunity to be recognised by the Grammy. Finally, at least it is happening now,” Davido said.

Early Grammy winners include Barbie the Album for best compilation soundtrack for visual media, and Billie Eilish and Finneas’ song “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie for best song written for visual media. Oppenheimer also won the award for best score soundtrack for visual media.

The Beatles took home their first Grammy in nearly 30 years for best music video for “I’m Only Sleeping.” The group last won at the 39th awards ceremony in 1997.

For best country song and best country solo performance, Chris Stapleton won both awards for “White Horse” during the Premiere Ceremony.

Killer Mike won big in the rap categories, scoring the awards for best rap song and best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for Michael. Lil Durk and J. Cole won the Grammy for best melodic rap performance for “All My Life,” and Victoria Monét won for best R&B album for Jaguar II.

Reactions 

The news has sparked widespread disappointment and frustration among fans and the Nigerian music community.

Social media platforms have been flooded with expressions of disappointment, as fans lament the loss of their favourite stars.

The Best African Music Performance category saw South Africa’s Tyla emerge victorious with her song, “Water”.

Also, in the much-anticipated Best Global Music Album category, Davido and Burna Boy fell short, with Shakti’s “This Moment” clinching the coveted award.

The hashtag, #GrammySnubNaija, trended on X formerly Twitter, with fans venting their frustration over what they perceived as a missed opportunity for Nigerian music to gain international recognition.

The Twitterverse became a virtual town square for fans to voice their disappointment, frustration, and disbelief.

@NaijaMusicLover tweeted, “I can’t believe what I just witnessed. All our hopes dashed in one night. Davido and Burna Boy deserved better.”

X user, @AfrobeatsQueen, shared a meme of a shocked face, captioned, “Me watching the Grammys realising they really snubbed our Nigerian kings. #ShameOnGrammys.”

@NaijaJollofQueen wrote, “This is beyond heartbreaking. Our artistes have been making waves globally, and the Grammys failed to acknowledge their impact. Disappointed but not defeated. We’ll keep shining.

In a series of passionate tweets, @MusicAficionado expressed, “It’s not just about winning awards. Nigerian music has influenced the world. Our artistes have elevated the game. Grammy or not, we are a force to be reckoned with. #NaijaStandUp.”

Celebrities also joined the conversation stating, “Sending love and respect to our stars who gave their all. We see your hard work and dedication. The Grammys might have missed it, but the world knows who runs the show. #NaijaToTheWorld,” they said.

Despite the disappointment, some X users emphasised the need to focus on the bigger picture.

@AfrobeatInsider tweeted, “Let’s not forget the impact Nigerian music has made globally. Awards are just one part of the journey. Our artistes have opened doors for Afrobeats worldwide. The movement continues.”

Burna Boy received four nominations this year: Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Sittin’ on Top of the World” with 21 Savage); Best Global Music Performance (Alone); Best African Music Performance (City Boys) and Best Global Music Album (I Told Them).

The Nigerian music star also made history as the first Afrobeats musician to perform at the 2024 Grammys but failed to notch any award.

Also Davido, who got his first nominations for Best Global Music Album (Timeless); Best African Music Performance (“Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys), and Best Global Music Performance (Feel), failed to win any award.

Both Asake and Olamide’s Amapiano song did not also make it to the winning list after its nomination in the Best African Music performance category.

Also, Ayra Starr’s Rush song was not able to make a winning impression despite her nomination for the inaugural Best Music Performance category.

February 05, 2024