Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington, also known as Akpi, has generated outrage online with his outrageous reaction to Nigeria’s failure in the 2026 Grammy Awards.
The outspoken rapper posted a video mocking Nigerian music icons for failing to win in competitive categories despite several nominations.
Tyla, a South African singer, defeated Nigerian heavyweights Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Omah Lay, and Ayra Starr to win Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
The verdict meant Nigeria went without a single competitive Grammy prise, disappointing supporters who believe Afrobeats is still underappreciated despite its global popularity.
Speed Darlington shared a video from New York City’s streets just after the awards ceremony.
In the video, he insulted Nigerian singers and said that Grammy success is dependent on big industry ties rather than talent alone.
Read what he said below:
“Oil Grammy o, oil Grammy. If you put am for nyash, you go win Grammy. Omo, you understand me? Long face…”
The video soon went viral on social media, capturing attention for its aggressive tone and sardonic delivery.
In his statements, Speed Darlington mentioned Sean “Diddy” Combs, insinuating that Nigerian artists only win Grammys when they are affiliated with influential American personalities.
Many listeners perceived the phrase as a swipe at Burna Boy’s 2021 Grammy victory, which came after his partnership with Diddy on the album Twice as Tall.
Given Diddy’s recent legal difficulties, the phrase has become more contentious. Reactions To Speed Darlington’s comments were split.
Some users backed him, claiming that he was only expressing a painful fact in his normal comic style.
Others accused him of disrespecting Nigerian artists who have worked tirelessly to elevate Afrobeats abroad.
Several fans stated that despite African music’s global appeal, the Grammys continue to struggle to appropriately represent it.
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