Davido, one of the leading figures in Afrobeats music, has recently received three Grammy nominations, including a historic one for the Academy’s inaugural Best African Performance award. Despite some concerns about the Grammys mishandling his category, the “Unavailable” crooner remains unfazed and appreciative of the recognition.
Key Takeaway
Davido appreciates the Grammys’ recognition with his three nominations, including the historic Best African Performance award. He remains devoted to his craft and recognizes the hard work of his fellow nominees. Davido also clarifies the distinction between Afrobeats and R&B, emphasizing that he and other Nigerian artists create R&B music despite being classified differently due to their African background.
An Appreciation for Fellow Nominees
In the Best African Performance category, Davido finds himself nominated alongside artists he deeply respects, such as Asake, Arya Starr, Burna Boy, and Tyla. He recognizes their hard work and dedication, acknowledging that he also had to overcome significant obstacles to be considered for a Grammy nomination.
In October 2022, Davido tragically lost his 3-year-old son Ifeanyi in a drowning accident. He chose to grieve privately and later found solace in his work. In March, he released his album “Timeless,” which not only earned him two more Grammy nominations but also became a symbol of his resilience and determination.
Recently, Davido and his wife Chioma welcomed twins, a boy, and a girl, further enriching their lives. They have been joyfully attending to their new blessings, while also balancing their career commitments.
Defining Afrobeats
Davido also shared his perspective on the definition of Afrobeats, a genre that has gained immense popularity in recent years. While some, like Michael Blackson, predict Afrobeats to be the successor to rap music, others have criticized it as diluted R&B.
Davido clarifies that the term “Afrobeats” draws inspiration from the sounds of the late legendary composer Fela Kuti. However, he points out that he and several other Nigerian artists primarily create R&B music. They only face a different classification due to their African heritage.
