Afrobeats superstar Davido has officially joined the Recording Academy’s committee, granting him the right to vote in the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The announcement was made on September 23 via a video shared on social media, featuring Davido alongside other new members like US rapper Offset and drummer Stewart Copeland.
Davido expressed his excitement about joining the Recording Academy, describing it as a “game-changer.”
“Understanding the importance of how our voices are heard, I am participating in the GRAMMY Award process. It is a game-changer. 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 said.
As a voting member, Davido will play a role in shaping the outcomes of music’s most prestigious honors, including the Grammys. He’ll participate in determining nominees and winners for categories like Best African Music Performance, which Afrobeats dominates. Voting for the 2026 Grammy Awards will begin on October 3, and members are urged to review the ballot and cast their votes early.
Davido’s inclusion highlights the Recording Academy’s efforts to expand and diversify its voting body, bringing in more international and African voices. This move reflects the growing global influence of Afrobeats, with artists like Davido leading the charge. Davido has received four Grammy nominations so far, including three in 2024 for Best Global Music Album for “Timeless,” Best African Music Performance for “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys, and Best Global Music Performance for “Feel”.
The Afrobeats star has garnered significant attention on social media, with fans and fellow artists reacting to the news. Some fans expressed excitement, while others were skeptical, with one commenter saying, “Dem wan use am again!” Despite this, Davido’s membership is seen as a milestone for Afrobeats, which continues to gain ground on the world stage.
Davido’s new role allows him to participate directly in both the nomination and final-ballot stages of the awards. The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Arena in LA. With Davido on board, the Recording Academy is likely to see a significant impact from the Afrobeats community.
