Kenya has officially positioned itself as a hub for global creative excellence by securing the hosting rights for the first-ever Grammy Awards for Africa. The government announced it has already paid Ksh500 million to host the prestigious event.
The news was revealed during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, December 9. President William Ruto and the Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects, Dennis Itumbi, shared updates on the development.
Itumbi alluded to ongoing preparations for the African edition of the Grammys, noting, “There are a few things to unlock, and this gentleman [from the Grammys] has an appointment with you this week to finalize that part.”
President Ruto clarified that the financial commitment had already been fulfilled, stating, “The money for the Grammys has already been paid. We are not about to pay; we already paid Ksh500 million.”
Grammy Awards Expands to Africa
This development aligns with the Recording Academy’s 2024 announcement to expand its reach into Africa and the Middle East. The initiative aims to support music creators in these regions by providing educational resources, advocating for intellectual property rights, and celebrating their rich musical heritage.
As part of this expansion, the Academy is partnering with government ministries and cultural organizations in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the UAE. The initiative also includes memorandums of understanding with Ghana and Ivory Coast.
The Academy plans to offer platforms for creators, deliver training via its online platform GRAMMY GO, and produce original content. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. emphasized the need to support music creators globally, highlighting music’s role as a vital resource deserving of investment.
The expansion coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards and follows the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammy Awards. This new category recognizes unique musical expressions from across the African continent.
