Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has ignited a wave of reactions online with his provocative comments regarding the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The outspoken artist released a video that poked fun at Nigerian music stars who failed to secure wins in competitive categories, despite receiving numerous nominations.
At the Grammy ceremony held in Los Angeles, South African singer Tyla claimed the Best African Music Performance award, surpassing Nigerian giants Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr.
As a result, Nigeria left the event without a single competitive Grammy win, disappointing fans who feel that Afrobeats is consistently overlooked despite its international acclaim.
Shortly after the awards, Speed Darlington shared a video filmed on the streets of New York City, where he ridiculed Nigerian artists and implied that Grammy success is more about industry connections than actual talent.
“Oil Grammy o, oil Grammy. If you put am for nyash, you go win Grammy. Omo, you understand me? Long face…,” he remarked.
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The video went viral on social media, gaining attention for its audacious tone and sarcastic delivery.
In his comments, Speed Darlington referenced Sean “Diddy” Combs, suggesting that Nigerian artists only achieve Grammy wins when linked to influential American figures.
Many interpreted this as a dig at Burna Boy’s 2021 Grammy victory, which followed his collaboration with Diddy on the album “Twice as Tall”.
The remark became even more contentious given Diddy’s recent legal issues.
