As the dust settles on the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, many Nigerian music enthusiasts are still expressing disappointment after Afrobeats superstars including Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid and Ayra Starr, failed to win the gramophone at music’s biggest night. OLAITAN GANIU writes.
It was South African popstar, Laura ‘Tyla’ Seethal, who took the shine, taking home the Best African Music Performance award for her hit single titled, ‘Push 2 Start’.
The 24-year-old’s victory marks her second consecutive win in the category since it was introduced in 2024. Tyla is the first artiste in Africa to achieve this distinction.
“First of all, shout-out to young African creative out there. I’m so excited to see more of us over here,” Tyla said at the backstage after accepting the award.
She added, “I want to thank God. I want to thank my management team, family and fans. I’m so bless! Winning the Grammys, two out of two.”
Tyla’s song, which blended amapiano and pop influences, outperformed nominations from some of Afrobeats’ biggest exports in the Academy’s voting.
“From the movement we recorded ‘Push 2 Start’, we knew it going to be magical. It’s such a special song,” she enthused.
The win has reignited debate across the street of Nigeria, industry observers and fans expressing a mix of frustration.
Some claimed the outcome was unfair given Afrobeats’ global reach, shows and streaming dominance. While others call for systemic change in how African music is positioned at global awards.
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A music lover, Adediwura James, said “Grammy has dimmed Afrobeats stars again. That award show has officially lost its credibility in front of Nigerians.”
“Nigerians were hyped, praying for that historic sweep or at least one trophy for the big three. Instead, it’s another year of ‘close but no cigar’. Afrobeats is still global, but the Grammy gods said ‘not today’. How are you feeling about it? Disappointed? ” another fan, Precious Eze expressed.
For Victor Oyi, it time to embrace and support our local awards. “They threw Afrobeats in the mud,” he said,
“This Tyla song is not worth a Headies, not to talk of a Grammy Award.
Some reactions were more daring, with fans suggesting the need for African centred award platforms.
“Let’s start African Grammys abeg,” upcoming singer, Banjo Adedayo expressed.
However, not all voices framed the result negatively. Several commentators acknowledged that being nominated alongside global stars is a win.
Industry experts call for strategic engagement
Veteran Disc Jockey, DJ Big N urged the Nigerians to channel their anger into action.
He encouraged them to join the Recording Academy as voting members, arguing that deeper involvement could influence outcomes from within.
“Yes, Nigerians are disappointed about the Grammy outcome, and I feel that too,” he began.
“But let’s turn that energy into action. Let’s get involved and make our votes count! Better luck next year.”
He cited examples of global icons who have used their positions to extend influence beyond the awards nights.
He added that. “It stings deeply that so many talented Nigerians were nominated but didn’t bring the Grammy home this time. But here’s the truth: legends like Angelique Kidjo and Youssou N’Dour, have shown us the power of being involved beyond just the award night. She’s at those seminars, those events, making her presence felt.”
Controversial artiste, Speed Darlington mocked perceived politics in award outcomes.
“No Diddy, No Grammy,” he remarks, alluding to the idea that musical authority could be influenced by entrenched industry networks.
Also weighed in is socialite, Cubana Chief Priest, as he took to his Instagram page to post a picture of himself with Afrobeats artiste, Davido.
In his comment, he encouraged the OBO singer to move on and create focus on his craft despite the loss.
“Oyibo dey do everything possible to break a strong man so he can do their demonic shit with them, but he will never do it. Heads up, brother, open the bag and drop another hot one for us. E no dey finish, Gbedu na water.”
Way forward
Beyond the backlash, some music practitioners are reframing how success is defined for Afrobeats globally.
Music journalist and podcaster, Joey Akan advised Afrobeats’ artistes to be more original and shun foreign approval.
“Foreigners saw you making music for your home, fell in love with your novel authenticity, essence, and how it moved your people,” Akan said.
“Once they started giving you money, you decided to ruin your working formula, deny and disparage your people, and cater exclusively to foreigners. They in turn routinely rejected this new and unfamiliar thing you’ve created for them.
“They’ve stopped giving you money, and now you’re all back to square one, making music for Nigerians, exactly what you were supposed to do.
According to him, the story of ‘Afrobeats to the world’ is one of self-denial, creative misdirection and a lack of cultural commitment to ourselves.”
Veteran Music producer and singer, Cobhams Asuquo suggested that while Grammy recognition is desirable, it should not be the sole measure of achievement.
“I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us, and it goes away. I think we need to build something that is ours.
“Let’s grow something that can make other people converge in our space,” he said.
Similarly, DJ Big N echoed a broader perspective, emphasising that even without a Nigerian win for Best Afrobeat Song of the Year, the impact of Afrobeat on the world map lives on.
