Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Davido has been inducted as a voting member of the Recording Academy, granting the superstar a direct role in shaping the nominations and winners for the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The Recording Academy announced the milestone on Tuesday via an Instagram video featuring Davido alongside other members, underscoring the dedication required to create impactful music. As a new voting member, the artist — whose real name is David Adeleke — will participate in both the nomination round and final ballot processes, reviewing entries and casting votes to influence the global honours.
Voting for the 2026 Grammys is set to open on October 3, offering Davido and his fellow members an early chance to evaluate submissions and advocate for deserving works.
In a statement shared with fans, Davido described the achievement as a “game-changer,” expressing excitement about amplifying diverse voices in the international music landscape. “This means so much to me. I look forward to voting and having a real say in how music gets recognized around the world,” he said.
The induction follows Davido’s three Grammy nominations in 2024, marking his evolution from nominee to decision-maker within the Academy. It aligns with the organisation’s push to diversify its ranks, boosting representation from underrepresented regions and genres like Afrobeats.
Industry observers view the move as a boon for African music, providing established figures like Davido a platform to champion emerging talents and regional sounds on the world stage. “It’s about ensuring our stories and rhythms are heard in the room where it happens,” one Lagos-based music promoter told ANN.
Davido, 32, rose to global fame with hits like “Fall” and “If,” blending Afrobeats with pop and R&B influences. His inclusion elevates Nigeria’s profile in the Academy, which has increasingly spotlighted African artists amid the genre’s surging popularity.
