Davido’s silence regarding his 2026 Grammy submissions has sparked curiosity among fans, leaving many to wonder if he has entered the race or opted out this year.
As excitement builds around the 68th Grammy Awards submissions, prominent African artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tyla have already publicized their entries for the upcoming ceremony. Yet, one notable absence in the conversation is Davido, whose quiet stance has ignited speculation within the Afrobeats community.
Despite being a three-time Grammy nominee in 2024 and one of Africa’s most globally acclaimed musicians, Davido has not disclosed any information about submitting work for this year’s awards. While this silence may seem unusual to fans and industry insiders, it could be a deliberate and strategic choice rather than an oversight.
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 now officially closed. This means no new entries can be submitted at this stage.
Given this, if Davido has not made any public announcement about his submissions, there are two plausible scenarios: either he submitted his work discreetly before the deadline, or he chose not to participate this year-a less likely but possible option.
Considering Davido’s international stature, recent releases, and Grammy track record, the former scenario appears more credible.
Why Might Davido Choose to Stay Quiet?
Davido’s 2025 album 5ive, along with collaborations such as 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 like Best African Music Performance or Best Global Music Album. So, what explains the silence?
Industry experts suggest that Davido’s reticence could be a tactical decision. Unlike peers such as Wizkid and Burna Boy, who actively promote their Grammy campaigns to galvanize fan support and media attention, Davido might prefer a more understated approach. Often, artists allow their management or record labels to handle submissions behind the scenes, only revealing details if official nominations are announced 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 transforms him from a contender to a key participant in the Grammy decision-making process. He expressed feeling “honoured to be part of the Recording Academy community.“
This development is significant. As a voting member, Davido now contributes to selecting nominees and winners, amplifying his impact beyond his own submissions. This role arguably represents a more substantial achievement than a single nomination.
With the first round of Grammy voting commencing in October, Davido’s priorities may have shifted from campaigning for personal accolades to supporting and elevating fellow African artists within the awards framework.
Balancing Expectations and Strategy
Another angle to consider is the strategic management of expectations. While 5ive enjoyed success, it did not produce a global hit on the scale of Tyla’s Water or Burna Boy’s Last Last. This might explain why Davido’s team opted against aggressively promoting a Grammy campaign in major categories like Album of the Year or Record of the Year.
Instead, quietly submitting entries in genre-specific categories such as African or Global Music allows him to maintain eligibility without overhyping his chances.
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. Given his experience, Grammy history, and new voting member status, it’s more likely that he is adopting a long-term, strategic approach.
Rather than seeking immediate publicity through announcements, Davido appears focused on leveraging his influence to enhance African representation within the Recording Academy and shape the awards process from within.
Whether or not his submissions secure nominations, his quiet stance signals growth and evolution in his career and role in the global music industry.
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