Nairobi, Kenya, December 10-Kenya has taken a bold step to establish itself as a global hub for creative excellence by securing the hosting rights for the inaugural African edition of the Grammy Awards. The government has already paid Ksh500 million to bring this prestigious music event to the country.
The Grammys, one of the world’s most esteemed music awards ceremonies, were established in 1958 by the Recording Academy to honor exceptional achievements in the music industry. Over the years, the awards have evolved to celebrate artists from various musical genres worldwide.
The announcement was made on December 9 during a town hall meeting held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). President William Ruto and Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, discussed the development, signaling Kenya’s readiness to host the event.
Speaking at the event, Itumbi hinted at the final stages of planning, mentioning efforts to solidify Kenya’s partnership with the Recording Academy. President Ruto confirmed the payment had already been made, emphasizing the government’s commitment to hosting the Grammys in Kenya.
Expanding the Grammys to Africa
In 2024, the Recording Academy announced its initiative to expand into Africa and the Middle East, aiming to support music creators in these regions. This initiative focuses on providing educational resources, advocating for intellectual property rights, and celebrating the rich musical heritage of these areas.
The Academy plans to collaborate with government ministries and cultural organizations in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE, alongside partnerships with Ghana and Ivory Coast. Key initiatives include online training through GRAMMY GO, creating original content, and establishing platforms for local artists.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. underscored the significance of supporting global music creators, emphasizing that music deserves the resources and opportunities necessary for growth. Additionally, President Panos A. Panay reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to fostering a global music community.
This expansion aligns with the Academy’s recent milestones, including the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 GRAMMYs and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards.
