Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido, born David Adeleke, has officially been accepted as a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organisation responsible for the Grammy Awards.
The move positions the singer to participate directly in the nomination and final voting process for the 2026 Grammy Awards, giving him influence over one of the most prestigious honours in global music.
Confirming his membership, the Recording Academy shared a video on Instagram featuring Davido alongside other new members, emphasising the dedication required to create music.
The post stated, “Creating a song or an album takes heart, time, and dedication. That’s why Recording Academy members including #Davido, #ravynlenae, #offsetyrn, #jessiereyez, and others, are sharing why your participation matters.”
Speaking on his induction, Davido described it as “a game-changer,” adding, “I have learned that voting empowers you to have a say in what is considered and voted on in each season. I am honoured to be part of the Recording Academy community, and I look forward to voting.”
Davido’s acceptance as a voting member follows a series of milestones in his international career. He first earned three Grammy nominations in 2024, recognising his work as one of the few Nigerian artists celebrated by the Recording Academy.
Although he did not win in any of the nominated categories, the nominations solidified his global profile and underscored the growing influence of Afrobeats in the international music scene.
His fourth Grammy nomination came in 2025 through ‘Sensational’, a collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay, which was nominated for Best African Music Performance. The track ultimately lost to Tems’ ‘Love Me Jeje’, but it further established Davido’s presence on the global stage and highlighted his collaborative versatility.
The Recording Academy has recently intensified efforts to broaden and diversify its membership, particularly by including African artists and other international performers.
Davido’s induction reflects this trend, giving African musicians greater representation in the decision-making process for the Grammys.
Voting for the 2026 Grammy Awards is scheduled to begin on October 3, allowing new members, including Davido, to participate in reviewing the ballot and casting their votes. This process gives artists an active role in shaping the awards, from nominations to the final results.
Davido’s journey from multiple Grammy nominations to becoming a voting member demonstrates both his enduring impact in the music industry and the growing recognition of African artists in global award platforms.
As one of the leading voices in Afrobeats, his inclusion in the Recording Academy highlights the increasing influence of Nigerian music worldwide and positions him as a key participant in shaping the future of the Grammys.
