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Nigerian music sensation, David Adedeji Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, made waves last November with his inclusion in three categories of the 66th Grammy Awards, setting the internet abuzz.
While peers like Wizkid and Burna Boy had previously clinched Grammy victories, the Global Music Performance category remained an elusive accolade for Nigerian artists.
Things changed when the 30BG Boss got his first Grammy Nomination, a thing that was once a dream now becoming reality.
Expressing his excitement and unable to contain the frills of his heart, Davido in a recent interview with France 24 said he sees this as a 'divine timing'.
Applauding the works he has done, he said 'I deserved to have won 20 Grammys already for the several works' he he has 'done'.
With such confident remarks, fans and supporters of Davido, the 'Unavailable' crooner were confident their boss would bring home any of his three nominations, including the Global Best Performance Grammy nomination.
However, South Africa’s Tyla went home with her first Grammy Award as she won the Best Global Music Performance category at the Grammys.
Tyla who had her breakthrough with the hit song ‘Water’ in 2023 defeated a line-up of Nigerian artists that includes Davido, Burna Boy, Asake and Ayra Starr.
So, what happened? Let's start from the beginning...
Did You Know 'The Global Best Performance Category in Grammy Awards is New?
The Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance was introduced at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022.
It honours international performers showcasing "non-European, indigenous traditions."
The inaugural award went to Arooj Aftab for 'Mohabbat,' sparking mixed reactions among Nigerian fans who were hopeful for Davido's triumph.
In the subsequent year, 'Bayethe' by Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode claimed the award, raising questions about the criteria influencing the decision.
Notably, Burna Boy's 'Last Last,' which reached #44 on the Billboard Hot 100, faced unexpected defeat.
Fast forward to the current year, both Davido and Burna Boy find themselves nominated once again in the Best Global Music Performance category for their works 'Feel' and 'Alone,' respectively.
This marks the first instance of two Nigerians being nominated in both this category and the Global Music Album category.
Possible Reasons Why Davido Lost Global Best Performing Grammy Awards Nomination Category
Competing against Arooj Aftab, a past winner in the category, adds a layer of challenge. Aftab's consistent nominations suggest a formula for Grammy recognition, emphasizing the need to comprehend the intricacies of the selection process.
Other contenders in the category, including Silvana Estrada, Falu & Gaurav Shah, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, Zakir Hussain, and Ibrahim Maalouf featuring Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas, bring a diverse array of musical styles and cultural influences to the Grammy stage.
From these indices, it shows that the Global Music Performance category Grammy voters consider not only commercial success but also narrative and delivery methods in their decision-making.
The Grammy Awards, with their rich history, continue to be a platform where diverse musical expressions are celebrated.
The ultimate winner emerges as the culmination of various artistic elements, showcasing the ever-evolving dynamics of the global music scene.
Davido's journey, although not resulting in a win this time, remains a testament to the persistence and adaptability required in the face of the nuanced factors influencing Grammy recognition.
