Davido’s Early Congratulations To Tems On Grammy Win Shows His Free-Mindedness (OPINION)
By Isaac Asabor
Afrobeats has long been synonymous with intense competition, with top artists consistently vying for dominance on the global stage. However, in a space often riddled with rivalries, Davido’s swift and heartfelt congratulation to Tems on her Grammy win stands out as a testament to his free-spirited nature. His simple but powerful message, “Congrats Queen!” sent via Instagram, underscores the maturity, sportsmanship, and lack of envy that set him apart in an industry where some artists hesitate to celebrate their colleagues’ successes.
From the perspective of breaking the shackles of rivalry, it is not out of place to opine that the Nigerian music industry has seen its fair share of feuds. From Wizkid and Davido’s long-standing cold war to Burna Boy’s subtle jabs at contemporaries, it is no secret that camaraderie among Afrobeats superstars is often marred by ego and competition. The fear of being perceived as less successful or taking a backseat to another artist has led many musicians to withhold public praise when their peers achieve milestones.
However, Davido’s swift congratulation of Tems flies in the face of such entrenched attitudes. Despite being a nominee in the same Grammy category, his collaboration on Chris Brown’s Sensational featuring Lojay also competed, he showed no signs of bitterness. Instead, he was among the first to celebrate her win, proving that true success is not measured by awards alone but also by one’s ability to celebrate others genuinely.
Without a doubt, Davido has a history of goodwill as his openhearted nature is not new. Over the years, he has built a reputation for supporting both emerging and established artists. He has collaborated with and promoted younger talents, from Mayorkun to Peruzzi, and consistently shown appreciation for those paving the way for African music globally. His willingness to acknowledge the achievements of his peers without hesitation speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to pushing Afrobeats forward as a collective movement rather than an individual pursuit.
Even in moments when the industry expected rivalries, Davido has taken a different route. For example, during Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album success, he acknowledged its impact rather than fuel competition. When Burna Boy won his first Grammy for Twice as Tall, Davido did not shy away from congratulating him despite their rocky history.
At this juncture, it is expedient to ask, “What does Davido’s gesture says about him?” The answer to the foregoing cannot be farfetched as Davido’s congratulatory message to Tems is not just about good manners, it is a reflection of a deeper personal philosophy. He embodies a free-minded approach to life, where success is celebrated collectively rather than competitively. This mindset is rare in an industry where many measure their self-worth by comparisons.
His behavior aligns with his well-known mantra: “We rise by lifting others.” Davido understands that uplifting others does not diminish his own achievements but rather cements his place as a leader and unifier in Afrobeats. His approach signals emotional intelligence and security—traits that have made him one of the most beloved figures in the industry.
Without any iota of exaggeration, the Nigerian entertainment industry needs more Davidos. In fact, the Nigerian and global music industries would benefit greatly from more artists with Davido’s disposition. This is as there is a growing need for a culture where success is not seen as a zero-sum game, where one artist’s win does not equate to another’s loss. When established artists openly celebrate the victories of their peers, they set a precedent for younger musicians to do the same, fostering an environment of unity and collaboration rather than division.
In fact, Tems’ Grammy win is a win for Afrobeats. It is a win for Nigeria. It is a win for Africa. Davido’s swift and unreserved congratulations acknowledge this fact. He understands that Tems’ success on the global stage further solidifies Afrobeats as a dominant genre and ensures that the doors she has opened remain accessible for future artists.
Without a doubt, his free mindedness is a lesson beyond music. Davido’s gesture serves as a lesson beyond music, it is a life principle. In various aspects of society, from politics to corporate environments, people often struggle to celebrate others due to personal ambitions and insecurities. However, true leadership lies in recognizing that lifting others does not dim one’s own light. Rather, it creates an ecosystem where success is shared, and growth becomes a collective endeavor.
Davido’s ability to be genuinely happy for Tems, despite not clinching the award himself, is a reminder that success is not only about personal wins but also about being part of a larger movement. His free-mindedness liberates him from unnecessary rivalries and allows him to thrive in an industry where grudges and competition have often overshadowed camaraderie.
To a large extent, Davido’s early congratulations to Tems on her Grammy win is more than just an Instagram story post, it is a statement. It highlights his character as a free-minded individual who understands that another’s success does not take away from his own. His gesture reinforces the importance of unity in Afrobeats and beyond, showing that the genre’s continued growth depends not on individual competition but on collective celebration.
If more artists, and indeed more people, adopted Davido’s mindset, the world would be a much more supportive and thriving space. As Tems basks in her well-deserved victory, Davido’s simple yet powerful words—“Congrats Queen!” echo as a testament to true sportsmanship, maturity, and the kind of leadership that Afrobeats needs to sustain its global dominance.
