Although he had plans to celebrate Grammy win, Nigerian Afrobeat singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, was not so lucky as he lost all three nominations.
His fourth studio album, ‘Timeless’ was nominated in the Best Global Music Album category, while ‘Unavailable’ and ‘Feel’ were nominated in the Best African Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance categories, respectively.
But the organisers found South African singer, Tyla, more deserving of the award for the Best African Music Performance category.
Aside from Davido, the South African was rated above other Nigerian stars such as Ayrra Starr, Asake; and Burna Boy.
Shortly before the 66th edition of the show kicked off at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, Davido granted an interview to Billboard’s Tetris Kelly at the Pre-Grammy show.
He had said he would go into wild celebration if he clinched the award for the Best African Music Performance category.
“I am just happy that we all get to shine. What if there was no (African) category? So, at the end of the day we should all be happy that we have this category, something to call our own. Whoever wins, it’s okay. If I win, we are celebrating. We go crazy,” he had said.
Speaking further, he had said an African music category at the premier global music award was long overdue.
The Grammys created a new Best African Music Performance category for the 66th edition of the award.
However, in the interview, Davido insisted that African music should have been recognised earlier.
“I feel good being a nominee for the first time and getting three nominations. But the Best African Music Performance category feels long overdue for African music to be celebrated. I’m talking about generations way before mine, Fela Kuti, King Sunny Ade… Sunny Ade has been nominated, I believe, but now there is an African category.
“If there was an African category years ago, a lot of people would have had the opportunity to be recognised by the Grammy. Finally, at least it is happening now,” he had said.
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