₦airaland Forum

Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, popularly known as Akpi, has ignited widespread reactions on social media following his controversial response to Nigeria’s poor outing at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The outspoken entertainer took to social media to mock Nigerian music stars after they failed to secure wins in competitive categories, despite earning multiple nominations at the prestigious event. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The 2026 Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles, saw South African singer Tyla emerge victorious in the Best African Music Performance category. Her win edged out Nigerian heavyweights including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr.

As a result, Nigeria left the ceremony without a single competitive Grammy award, a development that left many Afrobeats fans disappointed, especially amid the genre’s continued global dominance.

Reacting to the outcome, Speed Darlington shared a video recorded on the streets of New York City, where he sarcastically commented on the Grammy results. In the clip, he coined the phrase “No Diddy, No Grammy,” a statement many interpreted as a jab at the perceived politics and external influence surrounding the awards.

The video quickly gained traction online, drawing mixed reactions. While some viewers found the clip humorous and provocative, others criticized the rapper for ridiculing Nigerian artists who have played major roles in pushing Afrobeats to international prominence.

As expected, the video has fueled fresh debates about the Grammy Awards’ treatment of African music, the politics behind global recognition, and Nigeria’s standing within the international music industry.

EponObi:
Yeah, people like that are everywhere. I see them in everyday life. They are the ones who know the family having problem, the big sister having marital issue, they know the broke young hustler, they compare brother so with brother so and so, they know people who too slow in getting it in life.

What's always funny to me is that these people also have their own personal struggles and family issues. For many, they aren't even doing shit with their own lives but they examine others under their foolish microscope. They sing and cheer for those making moves and boo those still struggling meanwhile their personal lives are retrogessing or going no where. I call them "the spectators of life". 😂 They are the onlookers at the arena where others are shaping their own destiny.

Antoeni:
But it's The Fact , No Diddy No Grammy

njokuuche77:
Akpi abeg no dey make noise. Afrobeats is winning globally, Grammy or not. Nigerian artists have already won where it matters, global impact, sold-out tours, and cultural influence. Awards no dey define legacy. Most of these awards sef get politics and influence behind them.

ariesbull:
Grammy doesn't make a musician good or great...Eminem, snoop, Tupac , Nate Dogg, Dre, Mystical, Eve , Method man, Busta no send these Grammy ...