Davido Becomes Official Voting Member of the Recording Academy for 2026 GRAMMYs

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has achieved another groundbreaking milestone in his illustrious career. The multiple award-winning hitmaker has been officially accepted as a voting member of the Recording Academy, the prestigious body behind the globally acclaimed GRAMMY Awards. This new role places Davido in the elite circle of music professionals who directly influence the outcome of the world’s most respected music recognition platform.

The Recording Academy confirmed the development on Tuesday through its official Instagram page. The announcement came in the form of a short video featuring Davido alongside other notable new members of the Academy. The post highlighted the significance of being a voting member, stating that music requires “heart, time, and dedication.” It further revealed that the 2026 GRAMMY voting process will commence on October 3, 2025.

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Davido’s Role as a Voting Member

As a voting member, Davido will now have the privilege of participating in both the nomination and final ballot stages of the GRAMMY Awards. This means that his opinion will contribute to shaping which artists, songs, and albums receive recognition at the 2026 ceremony. Voting members are responsible for reviewing submissions, listening to nominated works, and casting their votes based on merit and excellence in artistry.

Reacting to the news, Davido described his membership as both an honour and a responsibility. He expressed gratitude to the Recording Academy while emphasizing the importance of having a voice in the process. According to him, “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.”

The Feel crooner, who secured three GRAMMY nominations in 2024, believes his inclusion marks a new chapter not just for his personal career but for the global recognition of African music.

A New Chapter for Afrobeats

Davido’s membership underscores the undeniable influence of Afrobeats on the world stage. In recent years, Nigerian artists have consistently dominated international charts, sold-out arenas, and clinched prestigious awards. With Davido now joining the ranks of voting members, the genre’s impact within the Recording Academy itself is poised to grow even stronger.

This development also aligns with the Recording Academy’s recent efforts to diversify its membership and increase global representation. By including artists from outside the United States, the Academy is broadening its perspective and ensuring that international voices play a key role in shaping the outcome of the GRAMMYs.

For Davido, this is more than a personal achievement—it is a validation of the global acceptance of African sounds. His career, which spans over a decade, has been characterized by groundbreaking hits, cultural influence, and international collaborations that have pushed Afrobeats into mainstream recognition.

The Global Rise of Nigerian Stars

Davido’s new role comes at a time when other Nigerian and African artists have also been making headlines at the GRAMMYs. Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Ayra Starr have all received nominations and awards in recent years, cementing the continent’s place on the global stage.

Burna Boy, for instance, won the Best Global Music Album award in 2021, while Tems secured a GRAMMY in 2023 for her contribution to Wait for U. Wizkid, on the other hand, has been recognized multiple times for his contributions to the international music scene, while Ayra Starr has recently earned nominations that further reflect the growing influence of younger African talents.

Davido’s inclusion in the Academy now strengthens this legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder that Afrobeats is not a passing trend but a globally respected genre that continues to break boundaries.

What This Means for the Future

For Nigerian music, Davido’s membership in the Recording Academy is a symbolic and practical victory. Symbolically, it affirms that African voices matter in global conversations about music excellence. Practically, it gives Afrobeats a stronger foothold in the decision-making processes of the GRAMMYs, ensuring that African creativity is not just represented on stage but also in the voting booths.

With Davido’s influence and network, it is expected that more African artists will continue to receive recognition, nominations, and wins in the years ahead. His role also highlights the importance of representation, as global music awards evolve to become more inclusive of diverse sounds and cultures.

Davido’s official acceptance as a voting member of the Recording Academy is a landmark achievement, not only for him but also for the entire African music industry. It signifies his transition from being just a global performer to an active participant in shaping the music industry’s highest honours.

By contributing to the GRAMMY voting process, Davido joins an influential network of global artists and professionals whose decisions shape music history. His membership is also a reminder of how far Afrobeats has come—from local parties in Lagos to dominating international stages and now influencing the GRAMMYs from within.

As voting opens for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, Davido stands ready to make his mark, representing not only his artistry but also the vibrant spirit of African music.