Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has received public words of encouragement from his uncle, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, following his loss at the 2026 Grammy Awards held in the United States.
Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports, was nominated in the Best African Music Performance category but did not win the award. Despite the loss, the singer showed strong faith and confidence, drawing support from family members, fans, and well-wishers across Nigeria and beyond.
Shortly after the award ceremony, Davido took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to share his feelings. Posting pictures from the event, the singer wrote in pidgin English, “Oluwa Dey my side,” a phrase that means “God is on my side.” The short message was widely seen as a sign of gratitude and hope, even in disappointment.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who has openly supported his nephew’s music career over the years, reacted to the post with a message of pride and encouragement. The Osun State governor replied, “Proud of you always @davido,” showing public support for the singer despite the Grammy loss.
Davido responded warmly to his uncle’s message, writing, “Love u Excellency!!! We move ACCORDINGLY SIR.” The exchange between the two prominent members of the Adeleke family quickly gained attention on social media, with fans praising the bond between the governor and the award-winning musician.
Davido was nominated for his collaboration titled “With You,” featuring fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay. The song was part of Davido’s recent body of work that further strengthened his presence on the global music stage. However, the award went to South African singer Tyla, who won the category for the second time. Tyla had earlier won the same award with her hit song “Water” when the category was first introduced at the Grammy Awards.
The Best African Music Performance category was created by the Recording Academy to recognise the growing influence of African music worldwide. Over the past decade, Nigerian and African artistes have gained massive international attention, performing on global stages and topping international music charts.
Although Davido did not win this year, his nomination alone added to his long list of international recognitions. The singer has been nominated for several Grammy Awards in the past, making him one of Nigeria’s most nominated artistes at the prestigious event.
Davido rose to fame in 2011 with his hit single “Dami Duro,” which made him a household name in Nigeria. Since then, he has released several successful albums, including Omo Baba Olowo, A Good Time, A Better Time, and Timeless. His music blends Afrobeats with global sounds, helping to push Nigerian music to international audiences.
Beyond music, Davido is known for his strong family ties. His uncle, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is a well-known political figure and businessman. The Adeleke family has often been in the public eye, and the governor has repeatedly shown pride in Davido’s achievements, attending concerts and celebrating his milestones.
The governor’s message of encouragement reflects a wider culture in Nigeria where family support plays an important role in personal and professional life. Many fans described the exchange as heart-warming, noting that success and failure are both easier to handle with strong family backing.
Despite the Grammy loss, Davido remains one of Africa’s most successful artistes. He continues to enjoy massive fan support across the continent and in the diaspora. His music tours attract large crowds, and his influence extends beyond entertainment into business and philanthropy.
As the global spotlight on African music continues to grow, industry experts believe Davido’s contributions will remain significant. While awards are important, many agree that his impact on the global music scene goes beyond trophies.
For Davido, the message appears clear: the journey continues. With faith, family support, and a loyal fan base, the Nigerian superstar is expected to keep pushing boundaries and representing the country on the world stage.