A US-based Nigerian music professional and member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Richardine Bartee, has shed light on why South African singer Tyla emerged victorious over Nigerian superstar Davido and other nominees in the Best African Performance category at the recently concluded 68th Grammy Awards.
Speaking in a WhatsApp chat with Potpourri, Bartee explained that the Grammy Awards are determined strictly by music professionals—including artists, producers, and executives—who vote based on artistic excellence rather than popularity or commercial success.
According to her, one of the major factors behind Tyla’s Grammy success is the strength of her team and global industry backing.
Tyla is signed to Epic Records, one of the most influential record labels in the United States, renowned for its history of working with legendary global acts such as Michael Jackson.
“Being part of such a powerful label means access to the right strategy, promotion, and industry connections,” Bartee said. “These factors help ensure her music reaches the right audiences and decision-makers worldwide. In many ways, Tyla’s consistent wins across major award ceremonies reflect not just her talent, but also the strength and experience of the team supporting her career.”
Tyla has now won the Best African Performance category twice in three years, with only Nigerian singer Tems breaking her streak in 2025.
Her latest win has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian music fans, many of whom argue that her songs lack the commercial reach and popularity of those by her Nigerian counterparts. However, industry experts maintain that the Grammy Awards are not based on sales, streaming numbers, or fan base size.
This position was reinforced by Recording Academy CEO Harvey Jay Mason Jr., who explained in a viral Instagram video that Grammy winners are chosen exclusively by voting members of the Recording Academy, all of whom are active music professionals in the United States.
“You have to understand that the only way to win a Grammy is to have a member of the Academy vote for you,” Mason said. “Members evaluate the music by the quality of the art — not sales, not streams, not how many fans or followers, but purely on artistic merit.”
As debates continue across Africa’s music landscape, Bartee’s explanation highlights a recurring truth: while African music enjoys growing global visibility, the Grammy system remains an American institution, judged by its own professional standards rather than popular acclaim.
