Cobhams Expresses Disappointment Over Nigeria’s Lack Of Recognition At The 68th Grammy Awards

Nigerian musician and producer Cobhams Asuquo has shared his views following the 68th Grammy Awards, expressing disappointment that Nigerian artists did not win at the event held in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

In response to the results, Asuquo criticized the Recording Academy, suggesting that the Grammys profit from Nigerian artists while providing only temporary recognition in return. He pointed out that Nigerian musicians are often leveraged to generate interest and economic activity around the awards, particularly in cities like Los Angeles.

He characterized the relationship between the Grammys and Nigerian artists as misleading and transactional, stating,

“I think Grammy is using Nigerians to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. It’s like a carrot dangling in front of us and it goes away.”

His comments followed the announcement of the Best African Music Performance category, in which South African artist Tyla won, surpassing several Nigerian nominees.

Asuquo also highlighted a larger issue within the music industry, noting that despite the global success of Afrobeats, Nigeria lacks robust institutions that can independently acknowledge and reward artistic excellence. He encouraged important figures in the Nigerian music sector to prioritize the establishment of credible domestic award platforms that accurately reflect the culture and its significance.

“We need to build something that is ours,” he remarked, comparing it to American sports culture. “It’s only America that will do Super Bowl and be playing it themselves.”

His statements have initiated discussions online, reigniting debates about recognition, ownership, and the future of African music on an international scale.

“Grammy is using us to boost the GDP of Los Angeles. We need to build something that’s ours; they have the Superbowl. Let’s grow something that can make other people converge in our space.”

– Cobhams Asuquo pic.twitter.com/GmzagzRTqg

— Pulse Nigeria (@PulseNigeria247) February 3, 2026