The Recording Academy, popularly known for the Grammy Awards has announced its expansion to some countries in Africa and the Middle East.
This follows an agreement with “Ministries of Cultures and key stakeholders across the Middle East and Africa to collaborate on a framework to bolster the Academy’s presence and services in these rapidly growing music regions.”
Kenya is among the African countries where the academy will empower creators through enhanced training.
Through its online learning platform, Grammy Go, the Academy will look to provide educational programs and resources specifically tailored to the needs of music creators in the country.
“This is exciting because music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources,” said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy.
“It is critical that the people who dedicate themselves to creating music have support, resources and opportunities, no matter where they are from.”
Before the decision, the Academy’s leaders travelled throughout these regions, participated in listening sessions, received high-level briefings, tours, demonstrations, and obtained insight directly from both the governmental ministries and music creators driving innovation in these markets.
“Creative Economy is among the key cogs in the wheel driving the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in Kenya,” said CS Ababu Namwamba.
“The country has placed a premium on music, film, theatre, content creation, fashion, pageantry, and other creative industries as a pivot for job creation, revenue generation and economic growth for sustainable livelihoods.
“With a predominantly youthful population that is well educated, innovative and passionate in stretching the frontiers of imagination, Kenya considers the creative sector as a fitting ignition for lighting and unleashing the full potential of this enormous youth bulge.”
The expansion comes after the Academy added the category Best African Music Performance. South African Tyla was the first African artist to be awarded a Grammy in that category.
The Academy’s president reiterated that the organisation was dedicated to supporting music from around the world.
“The Recording Academy is dedicated to supporting music creators around the world,” said Panos A. Panay, Recording Academy President.
“Our expansion efforts into these fast-growing regions reflect our commitment to fostering a truly global music community, where creators at every stage of their careers and from every corner of the world have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
