Famous Nigerian DJ Nonso Temisan Ajufo, Aka DJ Big N, has given Nigerian musicians advice on how to increase their chances of winning at the Grammy Awards.
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, South African celebrity Tyla defeated Nigerian musicians Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Wizkid in the Best African Music Performance category.
The disc jockey for Mavin Records responded via his X page on Monday, claiming that Nigerian musicians’ lack of participation in American music seminars and events was the reason for their subpar performance at the Grammy Awards.
Big N urged them to emulate multiple Grammy-winning Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo by participating in American music events more and getting involved in the Grammy decision-making process.
He wrote, “It stings deeply that so many talented Nigerians were nominated but didn’t bring the Grammy home this time. But here’s the truth, Legends like @angeliquekidjo and @YoussouNdourSN have shown us the power of being involved beyond just the award night.
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“She [Kidjo] is at those seminars, those events, making her presence felt. If we want to change the game, we’ve got to do the same. Let’s step up, join the @RecordingAcad voting body and be part of the process all year long. That’s how we truly make our mark. Better luck next year, but let’s also be there to shape it.”
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, South African singer Tyla defeated Nigerian celebrities Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr to win Best African Music Performance.
With her song Push 2 Start, Tyla won the prize ahead of Burna Boy’s Love, Davido’s With You featuring Omah Lay, Ayra Starr and Wizkid’s Gimme Dat, and Eddy Kenzo and Mehran Matin’s Hope & Love.
The category, designed to promote African music on the world stage, once again showed a strong Nigerian presence, with three Nigerian singers—Burna Boy, Davido, and Ayra Starr—making the final selection.
