A Different Kind of December: Christmas on the Beach

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  Christmas on the Shore: A Holiday Wrapped in Sunlight There’s something quietly rebellious about spending Christmas on the beach. While the rest of the world pulls on wool sweaters, warms their hands around mugs of spiced cider, and braces for winter’s bite, you’re standing barefoot in warm sand, with the sun painting everything in gold. The ocean murmurs in the background like an easygoing caroler who only knows one verse but hums it proudly. Christmas ornaments sparkle in palm trees instead of pines. And the only frost you’ll see is the faint mist on the rim of a cold drink pulled from an ice chest. For many people, Christmas is tied tightly to a sense of tradition. Snow. Fireplaces. Cozy nights. A sense of retreat from the cold. I grew up with that version, too. But the first time I celebrated Christmas on the beach, everything I thought I knew about the holiday rearranged itself. It didn’t ruin my childhood nostalgia. It didn’t replace it. Instead, it carved out a warm, sun...

Big Move for Davido: Joining the Grammy Voting Academy


 Nigerian Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has just scored a major milestone by becoming a Voting Member of the Recording Academy, the organization behind the prestigious Grammy Awards. This exciting news, announced via an Instagram video on September 23, 2025, marks a significant moment for the artist and the growing influence of African music on the global stage.

As a Voting Member, Davido now holds the power to review submissions, nominate artists, and help select winners for the Grammy Awards. This role places him among an elite group of music professionals shaping the future of the industry’s most coveted honors. He joins other new members like Ravyn Lenae, Offset, and Jessie Reyez for the 68th Grammy Awards, set to take place on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Notably, Davido isn’t the only Nigerian in the Academy—songwriter Tito Da Fire, rapper Laycon, music executive Bizzle Osikoya, and singers Oxlade and Praiz, who joined in 2022, are also part of this influential circle.

To earn this position, Davido met strict criteria. The Academy requires members to be active in the music industry as performers, songwriters, producers, or engineers, with at least six commercially released tracks in the past five years. Members must also pay annual dues and pass a rigorous evaluation by a diverse panel of industry experts, with final approval from the Board of Trustees. This process ensures only dedicated professionals shape the Grammys.

Davido expressed his excitement about the opportunity, highlighting how voting allows him to influence what’s recognized during awards season. “Understanding the importance of how our voices are heard and participating in the Grammy Award process is a game-changer,” he said. “I’m honored to be part of the Recording Academy community, and I look forward to voting.” His enthusiasm underscores the significance of African representation in global music spaces.

The “Timeless” hitmaker is no stranger to the Grammys. He’s earned four nominations, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024 and one in 2025 for Best African Music Performance, where he competed alongside heavyweights like Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Tems, Asake, and Wizkid. His collaboration with Chris Brown and Lojay also made the 2025 shortlist, though Tems ultimately took the win. Despite not yet securing a Grammy, Davido’s consistent nominations reflect his growing impact.

This new role amplifies Davido’s influence, not just as an artist but as a decision-maker in the global music industry. His induction is a win for Afrobeats, showcasing how African artists are not only creating chart-topping music but also earning seats at the table where industry standards are set. As the 2026 Grammy season approaches, with voting starting October 3, all eyes will be on Davido to see how he shapes the future of music’s biggest night.

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