Davido‘s silence regarding his 2026 Grammy submissions has sparked curiosity among fans, leaving many to wonder if he has made a move or opted out this year.
As excitement builds around the 68th Grammy Awards submissions, several prominent African artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tyla have already publicized their entries for the upcoming ceremony. However, one notable absence in the conversation is Davido, whose quiet stance has become a hot topic within the Afrobeats community.
Despite being a three-time Grammy nominee in 2024 and one of Africa’s most globally acclaimed musicians, Davido has yet to reveal any information about his submissions for this cycle. While this silence may seem unusual to fans and industry insiders, it could very well be a deliberate and strategic choice.
Understanding the Grammy submission timeline
To clarify, the eligibility period for the 68th Grammy Awards spanned from August 31, 2024, through September 2025, and the submission window has officially closed. This means no new entries can be submitted at this stage.
Given this, there are only two plausible explanations for Davido’s silence: either he submitted his work before the deadline but chose not to publicize it, or he decided against submitting altogether-a less likely but still possible scenario.
Considering Davido’s international stature, recent releases, and Grammy track record, the former seems the more reasonable assumption.
Why might Davido keep his submission under wraps?
Davido’s 2025 album 5ive, along with collaborations like With You featuring Omah Lay, Offa Me with Victoria Monet, and Funds featuring Odumodublvck and Chike, all fall within the eligibility timeframe. These tracks are strong contenders for categories such as Best African Music Performance or Best Global Music Album. So, why the hush?
Industry experts suggest that Davido’s reticence could be a tactical decision. Unlike peers like Wizkid and Burna Boy, who actively promote their Grammy campaigns to galvanize fan support and media attention, Davido might prefer a more discreet approach. Often, artists allow their management or record labels to handle submissions quietly, only announcing nominations if officially recognized by the Recording Academy.
A new role within the Grammy ecosystem
Notably, Davido’s latest significant update wasn’t about releasing new music but about his growing influence in the industry.
Earlier this year, he announced his induction as a voting member of the Recording Academy. This prestigious position shifts his role from contender to influencer within the Grammy framework. He expressed feeling “honoured to be part of the Recording Academy community.“
This development is significant. As a voting member, Davido now participates in deciding nominees and winners, amplifying his impact beyond his own submissions. This role arguably represents a greater achievement than a single nomination.
With the first round of Grammy voting commencing in October, Davido’s priorities may have transitioned from campaigning for personal accolades to advocating for broader African representation within the awards.
Balancing expectations with strategic planning
Another angle to consider is the nature of Davido’s recent work. While his album 5ive enjoyed success, it lacked a breakout global hit on the scale of Tyla‘s Water or Burna Boy’s Last Last. This might explain why his team opted against aggressively promoting a Grammy campaign in major categories like Album of the Year or Record of the Year.
Instead, quietly submitting for genre-specific categories such as African or Global Music could be a way to keep his chances alive without inflating expectations.
What this means moving forward
Ultimately, Davido’s silence should not be mistaken for absence. With the submission period closed, his team either submitted entries discreetly or chose not to participate this year. Given his experience, Grammy history, and new voting membership, it’s far more likely that he is playing a long-term, strategic game.
Rather than seeking immediate publicity, Davido appears focused on leveraging his influence to elevate African artists within the Recording Academy, ensuring fair representation, and shaping the awards from within.
Whether or not his submissions secure nominations, Davido’s quiet approach signals growth and evolution rather than retreat.
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