As the race for the 68th Grammy Awards heats up, artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Tyla have publicly announced their submissions. However, the notable silence from three-time Grammy nominee Davido has sparked speculation across the Afrobeats community. Despite the submission deadline having passed, the quietness from the internationally recognized artist appears to be a calculated and strategic shift in focus.
The Two Possibilities
The Grammy eligibility period closed in September 2025. Therefore, there are only two possibilities for Davido: he either submitted before the deadline but chose to remain silent, or he made the highly unlikely decision not to submit any work at all this year.
Given his stature and recent releases—including his 2025 album 5ive and collaborations like With You (featuring Omah Lay), Offa Me (featuring Victoria Monet), and Funds (featuring Odumodublvck and Chike)—the first option is widely considered the most probable. These songs easily qualify for major categories like Best African Music Performance or Best Global Music Album.
The Case for a Calculated Move
Insiders suggest Davido’s silence is a deliberate strategy. Unlike his contemporaries, who often pursue a high-profile media campaign to rally public and industry support, Davido appears to be adopting a more low-key approach, allowing his management to handle the submissions internally and only planning public statements if nominations are secured.
This strategy may also be rooted in managing expectations. The 5ive album, while successful, may not have produced a global crossover single on the scale of Tyla’s Water. A quiet submission in genre-specific categories allows him to keep his chances alive without overhyping a push for highly competitive general categories like Album or Record of the Year.
A Focus on Influence: The New Academy Role
A major factor influencing this shift is Davido’s recent elevation within the institution itself. Earlier this year, he was officially inducted as a voting member of the Recording Academy.
This milestone gives him a critical new role: he is now a decision-maker who helps determine who gets nominated and who wins the awards. His focus has shifted from being solely an applicant to actively contributing to the representation and recognition of African artists within the global Grammy ecosystem. This step is arguably a bigger win than a single nomination, signifying a commitment to strengthening the African voice from the inside.
The first-round voting for the Grammys is set to kick off in October, reinforcing the idea that Davido’s attention is now focused on his duties as an Academy member. His silence is therefore not a sign of retreat, but rather a sign of evolution and a long-term strategic game focused on influence and systemic change.
Source: African Publicity
