The 2026 Grammy Awards, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, saw significant debate surrounding the 'Best African Music Performance' category. Five prominent Nigerian Afrobeats stars — Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr — lost in their respective nominated categories, with South African singer Tyla ultimately claiming the award for her hit single 'Water'. This marked Tyla's second win in the category since its introduction in 2024, triumphing over tracks like Davido's 'Unavailable', Asake's 'Amapiano', Burna Boy's 'City Boys', and Ayra Starr's 'Rush'.

Tyla's victory ignited widespread controversy and speculation regarding the factors influencing the outcome, prompting questions about the authenticity of the winner's selection. In response, Richardine Bartee, a New York-based African-American music and lifestyle blogger and a member of the Grammy Recording Academy since 2022, provided clarification on the awards' rigorous selection process during an interview with Vanguard newspaper.

Ms. Bartee explained that Grammy Awards are decided by a body of music professionals, including artists, producers, and industry executives, who cast votes to recognize excellence among their peers. She attributed Tyla's success over the Nigerian nominees to the strength of her team and extensive global support. As quoted, Bartee stated, "A critical factor behind Tyla's GRAMMY win is the strong team and global backing she has. Tyla is signed to Epic Records, one of the most respected record labels in the United States, with a long history of working with world-class artists, including the King of Pop, Michael Jackson." She further emphasized, "Being part of such a powerful label means access to the right strategy, promotion, and industry connections. These factors help ensure her music reaches the right audiences and decision-makers worldwide. In many ways, Tyla's consistent wins across major award ceremonies reflect not just her talent, but also the strength and experience of the team supporting her career."

The Grammy Awards' voting process, which was previously examined in February 2024 following similar public outcry from Nigerians, begins with the submission of entries. These entries undergo a thorough screening to ensure eligibility. Subsequently, voting members of the Recording Academy cast ballots for up to five nominees per category, strictly within their areas of professional expertise. After the nominations are announced, these voting members — comprising performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists, and other active recording industry professionals — determine the final winners. Members are permitted to vote in a maximum of ten categories across up to three genre Fields, in addition to the four General Field categories. To uphold the integrity of the process, members are explicitly instructed to vote only in Fields where they are peers of the nominees.

Upon the closure of voting, an independent accounting firm, Deloitte, assumes responsibility for the results stage. Deloitte confidentially tabulates all votes and maintains the outcomes under strict seal until the official announcement. While Deloitte plays no role in selecting nominees or winners, it receives the ballots from the Recording Academy after the final voting round solely for security and confidentiality during the tabulation process. It is noteworthy that several Nigerians are part of the Grammy voting membership, including prominent figures such as Davido, songwriter Tito Da Fire, rapper and Big Brother Naija winner Laycon, music executive Bizzle Osikoya, and singers Oxlade and Praiz. Davido joined the voting body later, while the others were admitted as members of the Recording Academy's Class of 2022.