Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr Seek Grammy Bids
Major Nigerian artists submitted recent albums and songs for consideration for the 69th annual Grammy Awards.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in World
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Davido, Tems, Asake, and Ayra Starr have officially submitted their musical works for consideration for the 2027 Grammy Awards. These artists are aiming for recognition in major categories, including Album of the Year, alongside their typical presence in global music genres.
Why it matters
Nigerian musicians are increasingly seeking representation in the Recording Academy's flagship categories. This push reflects a broader strategy to gain recognition beyond the specific Best African Music Performance award.
Multiple albums and singles have been filed for consideration, including submissions for Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. These entries were delivered to the Recording Academy for evaluation ahead of the upcoming 69th annual ceremony.
The players
Recording Academy
The organization is responsible for the annual Grammy Awards and maintains the industry standards for recorded music excellence.
Davido
A prominent Nigerian singer and songwriter who has become a leading international figure in Afrobeats music.
Tems
A highly acclaimed Nigerian artist recognized for her work as a singer, songwriter, and producer in the global music industry.
Asake
A Nigerian recording artist known for his significant impact on contemporary African pop music charts.
Ayra Starr
An emerging Nigerian singer-songwriter whose work has gained rapid international popularity within the music industry.
The details
Davido submitted his album Oriadé and the song B4 B4, while Tems entered Love Is a Kingdom alongside tracks What You Need and Raindance. Asake and Ayra Starr also joined the effort, submitting their respective albums M$NEY and Starrgirl, plus additional singles including Gratitude, Jogodo, and Heaven Baby.
Timeline
November 16, 2026: The Recording Academy will announce the official nominees for the 69th Grammy Awards.
February 7, 2027: The 69th Grammy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place.
Industry Dynamics
The effort to secure nods in major categories like Album of the Year marks a clear pivot for artists once categorized primarily within the Recording Academy's Best African Music Performance field. This strategy reflects a broader trend of global artists challenging the boundaries of traditional western award structures.
Listeners can track whether these submissions result in formal nominations when the Recording Academy reveals the official list this November. Fans of the artists should look for expanded streaming availability or potential tour announcements following the 2027 ceremony results.
The takeaway
These submissions demonstrate the rising influence of international talent in shaping the future of global music accolades. As the Recording Academy evaluates these entries, the outcomes will indicate how major award institutions continue to adapt to a borderless musical landscape.
Further reading
For more information on major music honors, see the World section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tribune Online.
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