Nigerian music creators to benefit as Grammys expand reach in Africa

The Grammy’s Recording Academy says it is expanding its efforts to support music creators in Africa and the Middle East on global scale.

In a recent statement, the Academy, the organisers of the Grammy Awards, said it is working with government ministries in Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to bolster its “presence and services in these rapidly growing music regions”.

The statement said educational programs and resources tailored to the needs of musicians in these countries will be provided through ‘Grammy Go’.

“We are thrilled to announce that we are embarking on a path to extend our efforts to support music creators on a global scale,” it said.

“The Recording Academy has agreements with ministers 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.

“The Academy is working with the ministries of  culture in Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Nigeria, the department of culture and tourism in Abu Dhabi for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the ministry of sport, arts, and culture in South Africa.

“Additionally, MOUs have been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast. This exploration into the Middle East and Africa is only the first phase of plans to support music creators abroad.”

Speaking on the development, Davido, who was nominated in three categories at the 2024 Grammys Awards, expressed excitement over the Academy’s expansion.

“As an African musician, I am excited about the Recording Academy’s expansion into Africa and the Middle East,” he said.

“This initiative offers a platform for creators, elevating our cultural expressions and uniting us through music.”

Harvey Manson, the CEO of the Recording Academy, said: “This is exciting because music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources”.

“It is critical that the people who dedicate themselves to creating music have support, resources and opportunities, no matter where they are from,” he added.