As the curtain fell on the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, a familiar sense of disappointment lingered among Nigerian music fans after Afrobeats heavyweights Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid and Ayra Starr once again left music’s biggest night without a trophy.
Instead, the spotlight belonged to South African pop sensation Laura ‘Tyla’ Seethal, who clinched the Best African Music Performance award with her hit single Push 2 Start.
The 24-year-old’s victory marks her second consecutive win in the category since its introduction in 2024, making her the first African artiste to achieve the feat.
“First of all, shout-out to young African creatives out there. I’m so excited to see more of us over here,” Tyla said backstage after receiving the award.
“I want to thank God, my management team, my family and fans. I’m so blessed — winning the Grammys, two out of two,” she added.
Blending amapiano rhythms with pop sensibilities, Push 2 Start edged out nominations from some of Afrobeats’ most globally recognised stars, reigniting debate across Nigeria’s music scene and social media space.
“We knew it was going to be magical from the moment we recorded it. It’s such a special song,” Tyla said of the winning track.
Fans vent frustration, question credibility
Across Nigeria, reactions ranged from frustration to outright anger, with many fans questioning the credibility of the Recording Academy and the criteria used in judging African music.
“Grammy has dimmed Afrobeats stars again. That award show has officially lost its credibility in front of Nigerians,” said music lover Adediwura James.
Another fan, Precious Eze, lamented the missed opportunity: “Nigerians were hyped, praying for that historic sweep or at least one trophy for the big three. Instead, it’s another year of ‘close but no cigar’.”
Victor Oyi called for greater support for homegrown platforms, saying, “They threw Afrobeats in the mud. It’s time to embrace and support our local awards.”
Some reactions were more radical. Upcoming singer Banjo Adedayo suggested the creation of a continental alternative: “Let’s start African Grammys abeg.”
Others dismissed Tyla’s win outright. “That song no reach Headies level, talk less of Grammy,” a critic posted online.
Calls for action, not outrage
Not all responses were dismissive. Some industry voices urged Nigerians to look beyond emotions and engage more strategically with the global music ecosystem.
Veteran DJ, DJ Big N, encouraged Nigerian creatives to become voting members of the Recording Academy to influence decisions from within.
“Yes, Nigerians are disappointed, and I feel it too,” he said. “But let’s turn that energy into action. Let’s get involved and make our votes count. Better luck next year.”
He cited African music legends like Angelique Kidjo and Youssou N’Dour as examples of artistes who extended their influence beyond award nights through sustained engagement with global institutions.
Controversial artiste Speed Darlington took a swipe at perceived industry politics, quipping, “No Diddy, no Grammy,” a remark that alluded to entrenched power structures in the global music industry.
Socialite Cubana Chief Priest also weighed in, posting a photo with Davido on Instagram and urging the Afrobeats star to remain focused.
“Oyibo dey try break strong man, but e no go work. Open the bag and drop another hot one. Gbedu no dey finish,” he wrote.
Rethinking success beyond the Grammys
Beyond the backlash, some music professionals are urging a deeper re-evaluation of what global success means for Afrobeats.
Music journalist and podcaster Joey Akan argued that the genre’s original strength lay in its cultural authenticity.
“Foreigners fell in love with Afrobeats because it was honest and rooted,” he said. “Once artistes started chasing foreign approval, the essence was diluted — and the audience noticed.”
Veteran producer and singer Cobhams Asuquo echoed similar sentiments, warning against overvaluing Grammy recognition.
“I think the Grammys are using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us,” he said. “We need to build something that is truly ours — something that makes the world come to us.”
Despite another Grammy night without a Nigerian win in the category, industry watchers insist Afrobeats’ global influence remains undiminished.
As DJ Big N noted, trophies aside, Afrobeats has already secured its place on the world map — and its story is still being written.
