multiple award wins, he has firmly established himself as one of Africa’s most successful artists. However, despite his immense success, Davido has never won a Grammy Award, and according to entertainment analyst GehGeh, he might never do so.
GehGeh’s controversial statement has sparked debate among fans and industry experts, with many questioning why an artist of Davido’s caliber has yet to secure music’s most prestigious award. In this article, we explore the possible reasons behind this claim and whether Davido’s chances of winning a Grammy remain slim.
1. Grammy Bias Against Afrobeats
One of the biggest reasons cited by GehGeh is the Grammy Awards’ long-standing bias against African music, particularly Afrobeats. Until 2023, Afrobeats did not have its own dedicated category at the Grammys, often being grouped under World Music, a category that many argue fails to adequately represent the genre’s global influence.
Unlike hip-hop, pop, and R&B, which have multiple categories at the Grammys, Afrobeats artists have historically struggled to gain proper recognition, with only a handful of nominations. While Burna Boy won the Best Global Music Album category in 2021 and Wizkid received a Grammy for his contribution to Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl, Davido has not enjoyed the same level of Grammy acknowledgment.
Even with the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category in 2024, GehGeh argues that the Grammys still do not fully appreciate Afrobeats artists, making it harder for someone like Davido to win.
2. Davido’s Musical Style and Grammy Standards
GehGeh also believes that Davido’s musical approach may not align with the Grammy voting system. The Grammy Academy tends to reward artists who experiment with unique sounds, storytelling, and deep lyrical content.
Davido’s music, while immensely popular, is often centered around party anthems, love songs, and feel-good vibes. Unlike Burna Boy, who incorporates Afro-fusion with thought-provoking themes, or Tems, who blends R&B with introspective songwriting, Davido focuses more on commercial, radio-friendly hits.
His biggest songs, such as Fall, If, and Unavailable, are chart-toppers but lack the depth and innovation that the Grammy jury often looks for in award-winning music. GehGeh argues that unless Davido reinvents his style to match the Academy’s preference, a Grammy win may remain elusive.
3. Lack of Strategic Grammy Campaigning
Winning a Grammy is not just about making good music; it also involves strategic campaigning and networking within the Recording Academy. Many past winners, including African artists like Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo, have engaged in aggressive Grammy campaigns to boost their chances.
GehGeh believes that Davido’s team has not been proactive in positioning him for Grammy success. Unlike Burna Boy, who has been strategic about his Grammy nominations by collaborating with high-profile international artists and aligning with Grammy-winning producers, Davido has mostly focused on dominating the Afrobeats market rather than actively courting the Academy’s attention.
Additionally, Davido has not built strong relationships within the Grammy voting community, which plays a crucial role in securing wins. Without the right industry connections and Grammy-focused PR strategies, his chances of winning remain slim.
4. Competition from Other Afrobeats Stars
The rise of Afrobeats as a global genre has brought more competition to the Grammy race. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr are also vying for Grammy recognition.
Burna Boy, in particular, has positioned himself as a Grammy favorite, having won the Best Global Music Album category and securing multiple nominations. His ability to blend Afrobeats with reggae, jazz, and Western influences has made him more appealing to Grammy voters.
Tems, on the other hand, has successfully penetrated the U.S. music scene, collaborating with international artists like Future, Drake, and Beyoncé. Her Grammy win for Wait for U in 2023 demonstrated that the Academy favors artists with crossover appeal.
With more Afrobeats artists emerging, Davido faces stiffer competition. GehGeh argues that unless he differentiates himself musically and strategically, he may continue to miss out on Grammy recognition.
5. The Grammy Academy’s Unpredictable Nature
Another major factor working against Davido is the unpredictability of the Grammy voting process. The Grammy Academy has been criticized for its inconsistent selections and lack of transparency. Many legendary artists, including Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and Tupac Shakur, have never won a Grammy, despite their cultural impact.
GehGeh suggests that Davido’s global influence and fanbase may not be enough to sway Grammy voters, as the Academy often overlooks commercially successful artists in favor of those deemed more “artistic” or “innovative.”
Even within Afrobeats, Grammy nominations and wins do not always go to the most popular artist. In 2022, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album was expected to win Best Global Music Album, but the award went to Angelique Kidjo, a more traditional world music artist.
Can Davido Still Win a Grammy?
Despite these challenges, Davido is not entirely out of the Grammy race. If he takes the following steps, he could improve his chances:
- Diversify His Sound: Experimenting with new musical styles, deeper storytelling, and international collaborations could make his music more Grammy-friendly.
- Engage in Grammy Campaigning: Building relationships within the Recording Academy and pushing for nominations through networking and PR could boost his chances.
- Focus on Album Categories: Grammy voters tend to favor full-length projects over singles. If Davido creates a critically acclaimed album, he might stand a better chance.
- Leverage International Collaborations: Working with Grammy-winning producers, writers, and artists could increase his appeal to Grammy voters.
Conclusion
GehGeh’s claim that Davido may never win a Grammy is a bold one, but it is not entirely baseless. The combination of Grammy bias, strategic missteps, and intense competition makes it difficult for him to secure an award. However, this does not take away from his incredible achievements as one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
While the Grammys remain a prestigious accolade, Davido’s impact on Afrobeats and global music is undeniable. Whether or not he ever wins a Grammy, he has already cemented his legacy as a powerhouse in African music.