The Grammys have done it again and this time, they’ve hit a nerve deep in the heart of Afrobeats fans worldwide. What was meant to be a simple recognition post turned into an online warzone after the Recording Academy named Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema as the top 3 Afrobeats artists making global waves from 2010 to now. But the name missing? Davido. And that silence was louder than thunder.
Within minutes of the post going live, chaos broke out across social media. Fans of Davido, also known as 30BG, didn’t take the snub lightly. One fan wrote, “Tears and catarrh don full everywhere! Where is my Davido?!” Others declared the list null and void without the singer who gave the world chart-toppers like If, Fall, and Unavailable. The streets of Twitter and Instagram were flooded with memes, videos, rants, and even emotional breakdowns.
The Grammys’ post had highlighted how Afrobeats has risen from its roots to become a global phenomenon, thanks to artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema. But fans couldn’t understand how an artist as consistent, influential, and internationally recognized as Davido was left out of such a list. It wasn’t just an omission - it felt personal. For many, it reopened wounds from past Grammy controversies where African talents felt overlooked or underappreciated.
Some tried to calm the storm by reminding everyone that the list wasn’t an official award or a permanent ranking. It was merely a social media highlight celebrating the genre’s growth. But that explanation didn’t fly. To Davido’s fanbase, this was yet another insult in a long line of western media downplaying his legacy and contributions. “They always act like he didn’t walk so others could run,” one user lamented.
What made things worse was the inclusion of Rema, a relatively newer face in the game. While many agree Rema is a fast-rising global star with the mega-hit Calm Down breaking records - it still didn’t sit well that he was placed above someone with over a decade of industry dominance. The argument wasn’t about Rema’s talent, but about respect and recognition. Was the Grammys prioritizing current buzz over legacy?
Even those not typically engaged in stan wars found themselves pulled into the drama. Comment sections became battlefields. Some even joked that the Grammys were secretly trying to sell out Nigerian concerts by triggering fanbases. “Only Davido fans can cry like this,” one commenter joked, “This one pass heartbreak.”
While none of the artists involved have officially responded, the silence is telling. The tension has reignited old debates about industry favoritism, western validation, and who truly carries the Afrobeats crown. One thing’s for sure: the genre has grown so powerful that any mention - positive or controversial can shake the internet.
In the end, the Grammys may have underestimated just how seriously Africans and the diaspora take representation. This wasn’t just about music. It was about pride, legacy, and the constant fight for fair recognition. Davido may not have been on their list, but he’s certainly on everyone else’s minds.
And if the Recording Academy was looking for engagement, they got more than they bargained for. Because when it comes to Afrobeats, fans don’t play.
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