US-based Nigerian-Music Critic, Oyebanji Celebrates Success with First Grammy Debut

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards held last Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles in typical Grammys fashion, was quite a memorable one for Nigerian music and the culture as it once again elevated Afrobeats and its custodians on the global stage in music biggest night.

For Nigerian US-based social media influencer, entrepreneur, writer, Disc Jockey, podcast host, and pop culture commentator, Oyebanji Akins well known as O’fresh, it wasn’t just about the highly anticipated once-a-year ceremony, history was being made and he was right at the centre of it savouring the spectacle of the awards which has been for over six decades with people from all over the world watching with keen interest.

As a first time attendee of the prestigious awards ceremony, the music critic not only went for himself but he represented his family, CTDA Media and his home country, Nigeria. His path to this glamorous event was not one paved with diamonds, rather it was one paved with pure hard work and intentions.

Oyebanji walked into the Crypto.com Arena as Nigerian-American music critic but walked out as an inspiration to many. As he continues blazing his path, one thing is certain – this is just the beginning of great things to come for him.

From a humble beginning in Ogun State, Nigeria to being on the global stage, the music critic has defied the odds. Just a few years back, his love for good music led him to begin as a DJ, ultimately leading him to his true position as a music/movie critic.

With over one hundred million impressions on X (formerly Twitter), Oyebanji has successfully carved a niche which now opens more doors for him in the music industry. Starting with four followers to gaining over 19k followers and racking up mouthwatering impressions, he has evolved as a force to reckon with, being a voice for Afrobeats both in Nigeria and the US.

He also successfully runs a media house, CTDA Media which includes a podcast where he and his co-host share their views on the happenings in the music industry. Basking in the euphoria of the moment, Oyebanji expressed enthusiasm, saying: “I’m deeply grateful for both my victories and setbacks.

“Attending the Grammys 2025 was only a glimpse of what’s possible in my journey, having CTDA Media at my back. To every young dreamer out there, hold onto your vision, never give up, and don’t take “no” for an answer,” he wrote on his X page briefly after the ceremony.

For Oyebanji, the Grammy Awards went beyond making his mark on the sands of time, it was a night of connecting with legends. He arrived the venue of this year’s Grammys in the company of his good friend, Jaywon, an afrobeats artiste and Grammy Academy member, the very person who vouched for him in the right circles and aided in his journey to the Grammys.

First among the legends Oyebanji met that night was Baba Kuboye, the grandnephew of the great afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. He recalled that meeting Baba Kuboye was a great honour for him. Over the course of the night, he also met and had conversations with Beninoise Grammy winner, Angelique Kidjo; Lord Lamba, Kitt Wakely, Duncan Daniels, and CEO of Def Jam Records, Tunji Balogun among others. His presence at the 67th Grammys went way beyond a personal achievement for him or a box ticked for his media company, CTDA Media.

Back home in Nigeria, his presence showed the Nigerians that dreams can jump over hurdles and transcend borders. Social media was abuzz as pictures of him at the event were released and his presence at the awards ceremony alongside Jaywon trended at Number 4 on the Nigerian X trend table.

As Oyebanji reflects on this milestone, he remains committed to putting Nigeria out there on the map of global excellence. Through CTDA Media, he intends to show the world that achievements like being at Grammys are possible, and in the long run not just about him but about a movement of Africans showing the world the excellence that lies within them.