Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr Submit Music for 2027 Grammys as Nigerian Stars Target Global Recognition

 
By Simpson Global Media News Desk

Nigerian music stars Davido, Tems, Asake and Ayra Starr have submitted albums and songs for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, with entries reportedly spanning major general-field categories, African music, pop, R&B, rap and music videos.

The submissions, reported by Nigerian entertainment publications on Thursday, October 15, reflect the artists’ continuing efforts to secure recognition from the Recording Academy for their individual releases and international collaborations. The projects include Davido’s Oriadé, Tems’ Love Is a Kingdom, Asake’s M$NEY and Ayra Starr’s Starrgirl. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

The development has generated renewed attention around the place of Nigerian music in the global recording industry, particularly as Afrobeats and related African sounds continue to feature in international collaborations, streaming markets and award-season conversations.

However, the distinction between submitting a recording and receiving a Grammy nomination remains important. The entries reported so far are submissions for consideration, not confirmed nominations. They must pass the Recording Academy’s eligibility and voting processes before any artist can be officially recognised as a nominee.

The Academy’s first-round voting for the 69th Grammy Awards is scheduled to run from October 12 to October 22, 2026. The nominees are scheduled to be announced on November 16, while the awards ceremony is set for February 7, 2027, in Los Angeles. https://www.grammy.com/news/2027-grammys-how-submit-music-guide/

Davido enters multiple categories with Oriadé

Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is seeking recognition across several Grammy categories with his sixth studio album, Oriadé, and a collection of songs involving Nigerian and international collaborators.

According to Premium Times, Oriadé was submitted for consideration in four categories: Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) and Best Album Cover.

The reported entries also include individual songs competing for consideration in different categories. “B4 B4”, featuring Mayorkun and FOLA, was reportedly submitted for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best African Music Performance.

Another collaboration, “Nakupenda”, featuring TxC, Zlatan, Shoday, Scotts Maphuma and Al Xapo, was entered for Song of the Year and Best African Music Performance. “Le Show”, featuring Ayra Starr and French Montana, was submitted for Best African Music Performance, while “I Know Who I Be”, featuring JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay, was entered for Best Music Video. https://punchng.com/davido-submits-multiple-entries-for-2027-grammy-awards/

The breadth of the reported submissions illustrates how a single artist’s catalogue can be considered across different categories, depending on the recording, its creative contributions and the category’s eligibility requirements.

Album of the Year is among the Grammys’ major general-field categories. Best Global Music Album, meanwhile, recognises eligible albums within the Academy’s global music field. Song and recording categories assess different aspects of a release, meaning that the same track may be submitted for more than one award without guaranteeing advancement in any of them.

Davido previously received three Grammy nominations at the 66th edition in 2024 for his album Timeless and the songs “Unavailable” and “Feel”. He did not win in those categories. The latest submissions represent another opportunity for his work to be considered by Academy voters, but the outcome will depend on the official process. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

For Nigerian music fans, Davido’s campaign is also part of a broader conversation about how African artists can compete in categories beyond those specifically dedicated to global or African music.

The general-field categories attract submissions from across the international recording industry and are highly competitive. A submission does not establish that a recording is among the strongest entries, nor does it guarantee that voters will select it for the final ballot.

Nevertheless, the reported entries demonstrate an ambition to place Nigerian releases and collaborations before a wider international voting audience.

Tems seeks recognition across music genres

Tems, one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognised contemporary singers and songwriters, has also reportedly submitted work across several categories for the 2027 Grammys.

Her project Love Is a Kingdom was entered for Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) and Best Album Cover.

Her song “What You Need” was reportedly submitted for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best R&B Solo Performance, Best R&B Song and Best Music Video.

Tems’ collaboration with British rapper Dave, “Raindance”, was entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Melodic Rap Performance, Best Rap Song and Best Music Video. Her song “Big Daddy” was also reportedly submitted for Best African Music Performance, while “I Think You’re Special”, featuring Justin Bieber, was entered for Best R&B Duo/Group Performance. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

The range of reported categories reflects the variety of musical settings in which Tems has worked, including R&B, global music and international collaborations.

Her previous Grammy success gives the latest submissions additional significance. Tems won Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U”, featuring Drake, and Best African Music Performance in 2025 for “Love Me JeJe”. https://www.grammy.com/

Those achievements have already established her as one of the Nigerian artists with a Grammy-winning record. However, previous wins do not automatically secure nominations or victories in a subsequent year. Each awards cycle is assessed according to its own eligibility rules and voting process.

Tems’ reported entries also highlight the way contemporary Nigerian artists move between musical categories. An artist may be associated with Afrobeats or African music while producing work that draws on R&B, pop, hip-hop or other traditions.

Such crossover can broaden the potential audience for a recording, although the Grammy process evaluates each entry under the rules of the category in which it is submitted.

For Nigerian musicians, international collaborations may offer access to new listeners and creative networks. They can also introduce practical complexities involving recording credits, eligibility, rights and the contributions of multiple artists.

The ultimate result of Tems’ 2027 campaign will become clearer when the Academy announces the official nominees in November.

Asake enters M$NEY and several singles

Asake has also joined the reported list of Nigerian artists seeking consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards.

The singer’s album M$NEY was reportedly submitted for Album of the Year and Best Global Music Album. His song “Gratitude” was entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best African Music Performance.

His collaboration with Wizkid, “Jogodo”, was reportedly submitted for Best African Music Performance, while “Worship”, featuring DJ Snake, was entered for Best Dance Pop Recording. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

The submissions place Asake’s music within both African music and broader international categories, reflecting the variety of sounds and collaborations associated with the contemporary Nigerian music scene.

Asake has previously received Grammy nominations in Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano”, featuring Olamide, and “MMS”, featuring Wizkid. Those nominations brought his work into the Academy’s awards process, although nomination and victory remain separate milestones.

The reported 2027 entries therefore represent another attempt to advance from the submission stage to official nomination.

For an artist with a recognisable musical identity and a substantial audience, the awards process can offer an opportunity to present different aspects of a catalogue to voters. An album submission, for instance, is assessed differently from an individual song or a music video.

The result also depends on the quality and eligibility of the specific work rather than an artist’s popularity alone. Streaming numbers, fan enthusiasm and public visibility may influence discussion around a release, but they do not replace the Academy’s formal selection process.

Asake’s submissions are part of a wider group of Nigerian entries that illustrate how local artists are positioning their work for recognition across international music categories.

Ayra Starr submits Starrgirl and international collaborations

Ayra Starr has reportedly submitted her album Starrgirl for consideration in Album of the Year, Best Global Music Album, Best Engineered Album (Non-Classical) and Best Album Cover.

Her collaboration with Zayn, “Heaven Baby”, was entered for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. “Who’s Dat Girl”, featuring Rema, was reportedly submitted for Best Global Music Performance.

Other reported entries include “Ms. Paper”, featuring Theodora; “Aye Kan (Are You Coming Back?)”, featuring Angélique Kidjo; “Le Show”, featuring Davido and French Montana; and “Show Me”, featuring Latto, all submitted for Best African Music Performance.

Her song “Tornado” was entered for Best Music Video, while “Wo Man – Edit”, featuring Peggy Gou, was reportedly submitted for Best Dance Pop Recording. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

The reported submissions underline the international reach of Ayra Starr’s recent musical collaborations. Working with artists from different countries can connect a Nigerian performer to audiences beyond the home market and encourage creative exchange across genres.

The reported range of categories also illustrates that artists do not necessarily have to remain within a single genre when presenting their work for awards consideration. Eligibility depends on the specific recording and the rules that govern each category.

Ayra Starr has previously received Grammy nominations in Best African Music Performance for “Rush” and “Gimme Dat”, her collaboration with Wizkid. The latest submissions provide another opportunity for her recordings to be considered, but official nominations have yet to be determined.

The singer’s international profile has also grown through touring and overseas performances. Her reported Grammy entries come amid broader efforts by Nigerian artists to build sustainable careers across different markets while retaining their connections to African musical traditions.

For the industry, the key question is whether international attention can translate into long-term opportunities in touring, partnerships, rights management and audience development—not merely short-lived headlines during awards season.

Seun Kuti also reportedly enters the race

Beyond the four widely discussed stars, Premium Times reported that Seun Kuti had submitted “Na Dem” and “Problems” for consideration in Best African Music Performance. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/917365-2027-grammys-davido-tems-asake-ayra-starr-submit-works-for-consideration.html

Kuti’s reported entries broaden the picture of Nigerian participation in the awards cycle. His musical identity and artistic tradition differ from those of contemporary Afrobeats stars, illustrating the diversity of sounds associated with Nigerian music.

That diversity is important when considering the international representation of the country’s recording industry. Nigerian music is not a single genre, and the country’s artists draw on different traditions, instruments, languages and approaches to songwriting and performance.

A broader awards presence can help expose international listeners to artists whose work might otherwise receive less attention outside specialist audiences.

However, the submissions reported by media outlets should not be interpreted as a complete official list of every Nigerian or Nigerian-linked recording entered for consideration. The reports provide details of selected artists and tracks, while the final list of nominees will be released through the Academy’s official process.

Submission is not the same as a Grammy nomination

The difference between an entry and a nomination is central to understanding the latest development.

The Recording Academy’s Online Entry Process is the initial stage through which eligible recordings, music videos and other works are submitted for consideration. For the 2027 Grammys, the official entry period ran from July 7 to August 21, 2026. The Academy’s published guidance explains that eligible Recording Academy members and registered media companies submit works during this period. https://www.grammy.com/news/2027-grammys-how-submit-music-guide/

After submission, entries are reviewed to determine eligibility and appropriate category placement. The first-round voting process then determines which works advance to the nomination stage.

That means a reported submission is evidence that a recording has been put forward for consideration; it does not establish that the recording has passed every stage of the process or will appear on the final nominee list.

The distinction matters because public discussion can sometimes treat an entry as if it were already a nomination. Such descriptions can create inaccurate expectations for artists and fans.

The 2027 nominees are scheduled to be announced on November 16, 2026. Final-round voting is scheduled to run from December 10, 2026, to January 7, 2027, before the 69th Annual Grammy Awards on February 7, 2027. https://www.grammy.com/news/2027-grammys-how-submit-music-guide/

The Academy’s official calendar should be treated as the reference point for those dates. Any changes to the awards timetable would need to be confirmed through an official announcement.

For now, the appropriate description is that Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr and other Nigerian artists have reportedly submitted works for consideration—not that they have secured nominations or awards.

Why the major categories matter

The submissions have attracted attention partly because they reportedly include some of the Grammys’ most prominent categories.

Album of the Year recognises an album-level achievement and is one of the major general-field awards. Record of the Year focuses on the recorded performance and production of a track, while Song of the Year recognises songwriting. Although the names may appear similar, the categories have different criteria and recognise different creative contributions.

Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance provide other routes through which eligible work can be recognised. The precise rules and category definitions are determined by the Recording Academy.

For Nigerian artists, consideration in the major general-field categories can be symbolically significant because it places their work within a broader international competition rather than only within a genre-specific category.

However, these categories attract entries from artists across the world, and the presence of a Nigerian recording on a submission list does not establish that it will be selected for the final ballot.

The range of reported entries also highlights the importance of understanding how different creative contributions are recognised. A recording can involve performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, directors and other professionals, with eligibility and credit requirements varying by award.

A successful awards campaign may therefore involve not only the artist’s public profile but also accurate credits, suitable category selection and compliance with the Academy’s rules.

For Nigerian music professionals, familiarity with the process can help ensure that eligible work is presented accurately and that expectations are realistic.

Nigerian music’s expanding international footprint

The latest submissions arrive amid a period in which Nigerian artists continue to build international audiences through streaming, touring, collaborations and global media exposure.

Afrobeats has become a prominent part of contemporary international pop, while Nigerian artists increasingly work with performers from Europe, North America, the Caribbean and other parts of Africa.

These collaborations can create opportunities for cultural exchange and introduce different audiences to Nigerian sounds. They can also help artists build professional relationships beyond their domestic markets.

International awards are one measure of visibility, but they are not the only indicator of an industry’s development. A strong music sector also requires effective rights management, fair compensation, reliable royalty collection, professional production services, live-performance infrastructure and sustainable routes to market.

Artists can receive international attention while still facing difficulties with the business structures that support a long-term career. For example, recording rights, publishing arrangements, distribution agreements and royalty reporting can influence how much value creators retain from their work.

The growing international profile of Nigerian music therefore creates an opportunity to strengthen the industry’s commercial foundations as well as celebrate its creative achievements.

For emerging musicians, the careers of established stars may demonstrate the potential of cross-border collaboration and international promotion. Yet building a sustainable career also requires consistent creative development, audience engagement, financial planning and an understanding of music rights.

The Grammy submissions have brought renewed focus to the country’s established names, but the wider challenge is to ensure that the international attention surrounding major artists contributes to an environment in which more Nigerian musicians can develop and sustain their work.

The importance of local recognition

International awards can provide visibility, prestige and opportunities for artists. Nevertheless, the latest Grammy conversation has also renewed debate about how Nigerian music professionals support their own awards and industry institutions.

On October 15, Channels Television reported that Headies founder and executive producer Ayo Animashaun criticised Nigerian artists for pursuing Grammy consideration while, in his view, paying insufficient attention to local recognition. His comments followed news that the 18th edition of The Headies had been rescheduled from October 23, 2026, in Toronto to April 10 and 11, 2027. https://www.channelstv.com/2026/10/15/headies-founder-animashaun-faults-nigerian-artistes-over-grammy-submissions-amid-headies-postponement/

Animashaun’s remarks reflect a debate about the relationship between international ambition and domestic industry development. The issue is not necessarily a choice between the Grammys and Nigerian awards; artists can pursue international opportunities while also supporting local platforms.

Domestic awards can help recognise achievements across Nigerian music, introduce emerging performers to wider audiences and create opportunities for local media, sponsors and industry professionals.

They can also contribute to an industry’s institutional development by establishing transparent processes, maintaining professional standards and creating an archive of achievements over time.

For those benefits to be realised, local awards must earn the confidence of artists, fans and industry participants. Credibility depends on factors such as clear rules, dependable organisation, appropriate recognition of creative contributions and meaningful engagement with the music community.

The rescheduling of The Headies also demonstrates the practical challenges of organising major events across international locations. Travel, production, sponsorship and venue arrangements can affect the timing and scale of an awards ceremony.

The discussion around local recognition is therefore part of a larger question: how can Nigeria build strong domestic music institutions while its artists continue to compete internationally?

What comes next for the artists

The immediate next milestone is the conclusion of the Recording Academy’s first-round voting period, which runs until October 22, 2026.

The nominees are scheduled to be announced on November 16. Until that announcement, the reported submissions remain entries awaiting the outcome of the eligibility and voting process.

If any of the Nigerian artists advance to the nomination stage, the official announcement will clarify which recordings and categories have made the final list. Subsequent voting will determine the winners.

Fans should also expect discussion about individual categories to continue as the awards season develops. The volume of reported submissions can generate excitement, but the final outcome depends on the Academy’s rules and voting decisions.

For the artists and their teams, the period offers an opportunity to continue promoting their work while managing expectations. Awards consideration is one aspect of a broader career strategy that may also include new releases, touring, collaborations and audience development.

For Nigerian music fans, the key dates provide a clear timeline for following the process without confusing submissions with confirmed nominations.

A significant moment, with the final verdict still ahead

The reported submissions by Davido, Tems, Asake, Ayra Starr and Seun Kuti demonstrate the continued ambition of Nigerian artists to secure international recognition across a range of musical categories.

The entries span albums, solo tracks and collaborations, reflecting the breadth of contemporary Nigerian music and the ways its performers engage with different genres and international partners.

Tems’ previous Grammy wins and nominations, Davido’s earlier nominations, and the previous Grammy recognition received by Asake and Ayra Starr provide context for the latest campaign. Yet each awards season begins a new process, and earlier achievements do not guarantee future nominations or victories.

The most important distinction remains that the artists have reportedly submitted work for consideration; the Academy has not yet announced the official nominees for the 2027 ceremony.

With the nomination announcement scheduled for November 16 and the ceremony planned for February 7, 2027, the next several months will determine which of the reported entries advance.

For Nigeria’s music industry, the broader significance extends beyond the final list of nominees. International recognition can raise the visibility of Nigerian recordings, while continued investment in local institutions, professional standards and the commercial foundations of music can help ensure that the industry’s creative success translates into lasting opportunities.

For now, the submissions mark another step in Nigerian artists’ ongoing pursuit of a place on the world’s biggest music-awards stage. The official nominations—and eventually the winners—remain to be determined.