Afrobeats icon David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has officially joined the Recording Academy – the prestigious organization behind the Grammy Awards – as a voting member.
The announcement was made on September 23 via the Academy’s official Instagram page, marking a major milestone in the singer’s global music journey.
As a voting member, Davido now holds the power to nominate and vote for Grammy Award winners, contributing to decisions that shape the future of international music. He joins a select group of artists and industry professionals including Offset, Ravyn Lenae, Jessie Reyez, and Zac Brown Band, who were also inducted this season.
Describing the honor as a “game-changer,” Davido shared his excitement in a video message:
“I’ve learned that voting empowers you to have a say in what’s considered and celebrated each season. I’m honored to be part of this process and to represent Afrobeats on a global stage.”
This recognition comes after Davido earned four Grammy nominations between 2024 and 2025, including three nods at the 66th Grammy Awards and one for his collaboration with Chris Brown in 2025. Although he didn’t win, his nominations signaled a growing acceptance of Afrobeats within mainstream music circles.
Davido’s induction is more than personal achievement – it’s a win for African music. As Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts, having African artists participate in the Grammy voting process ensures better representation and recognition of the genre’s impact.
The first round of voting for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards opens on October 3, 2025, with nominations scheduled to be announced on November 7. The awards ceremony will take place on February 1, 2026, at the Arena in Los Angeles.
Music professionals and fans across Africa have celebrated the news, calling it a step forward for the continent’s creative industry. Many see Davido’s inclusion as a sign that African voices are finally being heard in spaces that have long been dominated by Western narratives.
