
“Grammy or Not, Oga Remains the Best Deal” — Isreal DMW Reacts as Davido Loses to Tyla at 2026 Grammys
Isreal Afeare, popularly known as Isreal DMW and a close aide to Nigerian music star Davido, has reacted after his boss lost the Best African Music Performance award to South African singer Tyla at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Davido was nominated in the category alongside other African artists, raising hopes among Nigerian fans that the Afrobeats star would finally clinch a Grammy win. However, the award eventually went to Tyla, whose global hit song helped secure her victory on music’s biggest stage.
Reacting to the outcome, Isreal DMW took to social media to express his unwavering support for Davido. In a post that quickly went viral, Isreal wrote, “Grammy Award or not, Oga still remains the best deal,” making it clear that the loss had not diminished Davido’s status in his eyes.
The comment was widely interpreted as a show of loyalty and encouragement, especially amid disappointment from fans who had hoped for a different outcome. Isreal’s reaction also reflected the strong bond he shares with Davido, whom he has consistently defended and praised over the years.
While some fans congratulated Tyla on her win, others expressed frustration, arguing that Davido’s contributions to Afrobeats and his global influence deserved recognition. The result sparked fresh debates online about Grammy voting patterns and the representation of African artists on the global stage.
Despite missing out on the award, Davido’s nomination was still seen as a significant achievement, further cementing his place among Africa’s most influential musicians. The singer has yet to publicly react to the loss, choosing instead to focus on celebrating African music and culture.
The 2026 Grammy Awards once again highlighted the growing impact of African artists worldwide, with nominees and winners from the continent continuing to make history and push African sounds to international audiences.