What’s it really like to be at the GRAMMYs? The flashing lights, the global icons, the electric energy in the room? Well, our very own podcast host, Oyebanji Akins, had the golden opportunity to be live at music’s biggest night, and he’s breaking it all down on the latest episode of the CTDA Podcast!
From being a random reviewer to becoming the first African critic to represent the continent at the GRAMMYs, Akins’ journey is such an inspiration. But how did he get there? Who made it happen? And what does it really take to be in those elite rooms?
From Reviewing Songs to Rubbing Shoulders with the Big Names
Akins’ story didn’t start with VIP invites or industry connections. In fact, he began by reviewing random things—just sharing his thoughts on whatever caught his attention. Eventually, he found his niche in music and movie reviews, and before he knew it, his voice carried weight in the industry.
But one relationship in particular helped open the GRAMMY doors for him: his relationship with Jaywon.
Back in 2019, Akins posted about Jaywon’s song Aje, and to his surprise, Jaywon responded. That simple interaction kicked off a friendship that grew stronger over the years. Fast forward to 2024, Jaywon was invited to the 67th GRAMMYs, and guess who he chose to take along? Akins.
Now, let that sink in because according to Jaywon, many people had asked him to bring them to the GRAMMYs, but he chose Akins. Why? Because value speaks.
“The GRAMMYs to Me Is for Everyone Back Home”
For Akins, stepping into the GRAMMYs wasn’t just a personal win. It was a moment that symbolized hope for every young dreamer back home.
The GRAMMYs to me is for everybody back home… To the street boy from the slum that might be watching this. I came from Nigeria with no hope of anything, and becoming a citizen (of America), having a podcast, having a team.
That moment, that experience, belonged to every hustler, every creative, every person grinding their way up with nothing but faith and hard work.
The GRAMMYs: What You Don’t See on TV
Of course, being at the GRAMMYs comes with revelations. Akins shared that not all places are accessible even though one was physically there,
There are some places you cannot access even if you’re right there at the GRAMMYs,
he explained. For instance, the area he stayed with Jaywon was not accessible to certain people according to him.
He also explained that the event is actually hosted in two different locations, with varying levels of exclusivity.
In order words, there are “Tiers” according to different calibers of people in the Grammys.
It got him thinking—could the Headies take a cue from this?
Akins suggested that expanding the Headies to recognize all of Africa, not just Nigeria, could elevate the award show’s prestige. Just like the GRAMMYs have different tiers, creating a two-room experience for different categories of artists wouldn’t be about exclusion—it would be about motivation. A challenge for artists to level up and reach that second room.
Want to Be in the Room? You Need One Thing: VALUE
At the end of the day, getting into rooms like the GRAMMYs isn’t about luck—it’s about value. You have to be valuable.
For you to be in the GRAMMYs, you’ve got to have something.
Akins emphasized.
It’s not just about talent—it’s about what you bring to the table, the impact you make, and the relationships you nurture. Akins’ journey is proof that hard work, consistency, and authenticity open doors you never even imagined possible.
Catch the Full Story on the CTDA Podcast!
Akins is still processing everything he saw, the conversations he had, and the “big guys” he met. But trust us, there’s so much more to this story than what you just read.
For the full breakdown, tune in to the latest episode of the CTDA Podcast.
Listen now!
