By Ayo Onikoyi

Veteran Afrobeats artiste, songwriter and producer Ajibola Oluwamuyiwa Danladi, better known as Danny Young, has achieved another career milestone with his induction into the Recording Academy’s Class of 2026, the newest cohort of music creators and industry professionals admitted into the organisation behind the Grammy Awards.

The Academy announced Danny Young among other music professionals into its 2026 membership class. The new members comprise singers, songwriters, producers, engineers and other professionals who are actively contributing to the global music industry.

Announcing the milestone on his social media page, Danny Young described the invitation as a significant moment in his over two-decade career.

“I’m honored and excited to announce that I have joined the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class.

“After over two decades of creating, producing, and contributing to the growth of Afrobeats, this is a meaningful milestone in my journey. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience and voice to the global music community and contribute to the Grammy Awards process.

“Honored to be part of a community of creators and professionals dedicated to supporting and shaping the future of music,” he wrote.

Membership of the Recording Academy is by invitation and is reserved for music professionals who have demonstrated notable achievements and are actively working in the recording industry. Members play a key role in the Grammy Awards process, including voting for nominees and winners, while contributing to initiatives that support and advance the music profession.

Danny Young’s induction adds to the growing number of Nigerian music professionals participating in the Recording Academy, reflecting the increasing influence of Afrobeats and Nigeria’s music industry on the global stage.

The singer, known for songs including Oju Ti Won, Omo Lepa featuring Olamide, Jangolova, and more recently Para featuring Odumodublvck, has spent more than 20 years as a recording artist, songwriter, and music producer. As one of the pioneering young artists of Nigeria’s early Afropop era before the genre became globally known as Afrobeats. he has played a significant role in the evolution of contemporary Nigerian music.