In a landmark move, the Recording Academy, known globally for the highly esteemed GRAMMY Awards, announced its initiative to broaden its engagement with music creators across Africa and the Middle East. This strategic expansion involves partnerships with various Ministries of Culture and pivotal figures within these vibrant music industries.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, emphasizing the universal significance of music. “Music represents one of the most magnificent cultural expressions humanity has to offer, and it’s thrilling to be able to support its creators across these rich landscapes,” Mason remarked.
The Academy’s leaders have been actively involved in the regions over the last couple of years, engaging in comprehensive listening sessions, industry briefings, and direct dialogues with both government representatives and artists.
An especially exciting development is the announcement of Grammy Africa, a testament to the Recording Academy’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing the wealth of musical talent across the African continent.
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Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, serving as a senior consultant to the President and CEO of the Recording Academy, shared her excitement on social media, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts leading up to this momentous announcement. “It’s been an incredible journey working towards this historic milestone over the last eighteen months,” Amoateng revealed.
In building this global music bridge, the Academy has forged partnerships with the Ministries of Culture in key nations including Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and with organizations like Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, the Rwanda Development Board, and South Africa’s Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture. The commitment is further solidified through Memorandums of Understanding signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast, marking a new chapter in the Recording Academy’s international endeavors.
