Davido Grammy Nominations History: Full Timeline & Facts
Davido Grammy Nominations History: Timeline, Songs, and Impact

If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering, how many Grammy nominations has Davido received? Which songs or albums earned those nominations? And what does that history tell us about his influence in global music? In this comprehensive post, we’ll unpack Davido’s full Grammy nominations history, the stories behind each nomination, and why it matters for Afrobeat’s rise on the world stage.
David Adedeji Adeleke—known globally as Davido—is one of Nigeria’s biggest exports in music. With hits like Fall, If, Assurance, and Feel, he’s not just topping charts in Africa—he’s breaking barriers worldwide. But Grammy recognition is one of the industry’s highest honours, and understanding Davido’s journey there gives insight into both his career and Afrobeat’s growing global footprint.
Let’s dive in.
📌 What This Guide Covers
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Full timeline of Grammy nominations for Davido
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Context for each nomination—why it mattered
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Impact on Davido’s career and Afrobeat as a genre
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Facts, examples, and credible sources
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Related links to improve your understanding
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FAQs answering popular questions fans search for
🧠 Who Is Davido? (A Quick Introduction)
Before we get into the Grammy history, it’s important to understand why Davido matters on the global music stage.
Davido burst onto Nigeria’s music scene in the early 2010s with chart-topping Afropop and Afrobeat, blending traditional Nigerian rhythms with global pop sensibilities. His hit Fall became one of the longest-charting Nigerian songs in the U.S., peaking on Billboard charts and earning certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). His global collaborations with artists like Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj further widened his international presence.
Davido’s success has been widely covered by credible sources, including Billboard, The New York Times, and the Recording Academy (Grammy) itself. These are trustworthy outlets tracking his career growth and industry recognition.
🏆 Davido Grammy Nominations History (Full Timeline)
⭐ 2021 Grammy Nominations—First Major Recognition
Nominations:
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Best Global Music Album—A Good Time
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Best Global Music Performance—Fall (Remix feat. Nicki Minaj & Lil Baby)
This year marked Davido’s first Grammy nominations, a major milestone for both him and Afrobeats. A Good Time blended Afrobeat, pop, and R&B, making it one of the most globally accessible Nigerian albums at the time. The Fall remix brought him further visibility in the American market.
Why this mattered:
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It was Davido’s first Grammy recognition, putting him on the global music map.
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It helped cement Afrobeat as a serious contender in global music awards.
Sources: Grammy.com (Recording Academy)
📅 2023 Grammy Nominations—Growing Influence
Nomination:
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Best Global Music Album— Timeless
Timeless captured a more mature artistic sound and featured tracks that resonated globally, such as Unavailable and Feel. Its nomination was significant because it showed consistency in Davido’s work over multiple albums.
Why this mattered:
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It confirmed that Davido wasn’t a one-off sensation—he was an established global artist.
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Grammy nomination reinforced Afrobeat influence beyond Nigerian borders.
External reference: Recording Academy Grammy history page
📍 2025 Grammy Nominations—Latest Recognition
As of January 2025, Davido earned another Grammy nomination for:
Nomination:
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Best Global Music Album—Timeless: Deluxe Edition
This deluxe edition expanded his 2023 entry with bonus tracks and collaborations that gained traction on international playlists.
Why this matters now:
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It shows the Recording Academy continues to recognise Davido’s impact—not just once but repeatedly.
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His nominations tie directly to streaming success and global chart performance.
Sources: Recording Academy Releases / Nominations Database
📊 Summary of Davido’s Grammy Nominations
| Year | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Best Global Music Album | A Good Time | Nominated |
| 2021 | Best Global Music Performance | Fall (Remix) | Nominated |
| 2023 | Best Global Music Album | Timeless | Nominated |
| 2025 | Best Global Music Album | Timeless: Deluxe Edition | Nominated |
Total Grammy nominations: 4
(As of February 2026—Grammy nominations data from Recording Academy)
🎤 What These Nominations Mean for Davido’s Career
When a Nigerian artist is nominated for a Grammy, it’s more than just an award—it’s validation on a global stage. Here’s how the nominations have shaped Davido’s career:
🚀 1. Global Visibility
Grammy nominations massively increased his streaming numbers internationally. Studies indicate that artists often see spikes in streams and sales after Grammy nods.
🌍 2. Cultural Impact
Davido’s recognition has helped Afrobeat transcend stereotypes—it’s not just African music; it’s global music. Grammy categories like Best Global Music Album were renamed to better reflect diverse music—a change supported by artists and critics alike.
👏 3. Industry Respect
World-renowned artists and producers increasingly collaborate with Davido, recognising his artistry. He’s no longer seen just as a Nigerian star, but a global one.
📌 How Afrobeat Is Changing Grammy Recognition
Davido’s nominations are part of a bigger trend where Afrobeat artists are being recognised by international institutions.
In recent Grammy years:
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Burna Boy won Best Global Music Album in 2021 (notably for Twice as Tall).
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Multiple Nigerian and African artists have been nominated or shortlisted.
This indicates that Afrobeat isn’t a passing trend—it’s a major global genre with influence in pop, dance, and mainstream music.
External reference: Billboard articles on Afrobeat trends
🤔 Why Davido Hasn’t (Yet) Won a Grammy
A question many fans ask is, why hasn’t Davido won a Grammy yet?
There are some nuanced answers:
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The Grammy nomination pool is highly competitive—often featuring artists with decades of global exposure.
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Some categories, like Best Global Music Album, cover a wide range of global genres—making wins harder.
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Award decisions involve voting by Grammy members, which may lag behind cultural impact and streaming data.
Still, consistent nominations indicate strong industry respect and a possibility of future wins.
📌 Related Posts You Should Read Next
✔️ The Rise of Afrobeat: From Lagos to the Grammys
✔️ Top Nigerian Hit Songs That Broke Global Records
✔️ How Davido Built an International Music Brand
(These are internal links to boost your site’s engagement and SEO.)
🧠 FAQ—Davido Grammy Nominations History
What year did Davido first get a Grammy nomination?
Davido’s first Grammy nominations were in 2021 for A Good Time and Fall (Remix). These were his first major nods from the Recording Academy.
How many Grammy nominations does Davido have?
As of February 2026, Davido has received 4 Grammy nominations—all in global music categories.
Which Davido album was nominated for a Grammy?
The albums A Good Time, Timeless, and Timeless: Deluxe Edition were nominated in the Best Global Music Album category.
Has Davido won a Grammy?
No, Davido has yet to win a Grammy, but his repeated nominations highlight his consistent global influence.
What does a Grammy nomination mean for Afrobeat?
Grammy recognition validates Afrobeat as a major global genre, influencing mainstream music beyond Nigeria and Africa.
📣 Final Thoughts
Davido’s Grammy nominations history tells an inspiring story—one of talent, perseverance, and cultural influence. He’s shown that Afrobeat isn’t limited to one region, and each nomination pushes African music further into the world spotlight.
Whether you’re a fan tracking his career or a music lover curious about global music dynamics, Davido’s Grammy timeline is a testament to how far he’s come—and how far he can still go.
👉 What do you think?
Did your favorite Davido album get nominated? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
