Though Rooting For Davido, Joeboy Says Tyla’s  2026 Grammy Win Is Well Deserved

Popular Nigerian musician Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus, alias  Joeboy, has opened up about South African singer and songwriter Tyla’s  Grammy Award success. This comes despite him rooting for David Oyeleke, alias Davido, and amid the controversies surrounding Tyla’s win.

In a chat with Jay On-Air, the ‘Sip’ singer said that Tyla did not just earn the award; she merited it, noting that the ‘Water’ singer actually put in hard work and qualified for it.

His comment comes after a prolonged public dispute online among Nigerians criticising the much-coveted Award organisation, which they considered a slight against Nigerian musicians who are recognised and have been performing well globally.

Nigerian On-air personality Osi Suave had previously voiced his concerns on social media about what he regarded as a Grammy bias against Nigerian music. “Eventually, we get a category at the Grammy that is dedicated to us as Africans. Then we, as Nigerians who make the biggest hits on the continent, get stomped out year after year. What hurts is that we, as Nigerians, accept music from everywhere,” he said.

Several other online users also commented on the issue, expressing disappointment and disapproval, wondering why none of the Nigerian nominees for the award was selected.

Joeboy revealed that, though he was rooting for Davido during the award ceremony, Tyla still deserved to win.

“Personally, I was rooting for Davido to win the Best African Music Performance category at the 2026 Grammys, but you can’t take it away from Tyla. She is an amazing artist, whether you accept it or not. She really put in the work. People can be angry all they want, but she deserved the Grammy win. I can’t fault her triumph,” he remarked.

Burna Boy, Davido, Omah Lay, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid were all nominated for the 2026 Grammy Awards.