The Recording Academy, the organization behind the prestigious GRAMMY Awards, is set to expand its presence in Africa and the Middle East. This strategic initiative aims to bolster support for music creators in these rapidly growing music regions through collaborations with local Ministries of Culture and key stakeholders.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for this global outreach. “Music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources,” he stated. “It is critical that the people who dedicate themselves to creating music have support, resources, and opportunities, no matter where they are from.”
Over the past two years, leaders of the Recording Academy have engaged in extensive travels across these regions, participating in listening sessions, high-level briefings, tours, and demonstrations. These interactions provided valuable insights from government ministries and music creators who are at the forefront of innovation in these markets.
The Academy has forged partnerships with the Ministries of Culture in Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, the Rwanda Development Board, and the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture in South Africa. Additionally, Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
Key initiatives under this collaboration include:
1. Championing Music Creators: Providing platforms and advocacy for music creators at all levels.
2. Enhanced Training: Offering educational programs through the GRAMMY GO™ online learning platform tailored to the needs of music creators in these regions.
3. Original Content Production: Celebrating the rich musical heritage and dynamic emerging scenes of Africa and the Middle East.
4. Support for Existing Members: Facilitating cross-cultural learnings to benefit all music creators, enhancing the experiences of the Academy’s current and future members.
5. Advocacy for IP Protections: Promoting strong Intellectual Property legislation and protections for music creators.
6. Fueling the Music Economy: Collaborating with partners to develop and strengthen the creative economy in Africa and the Middle East.
The Academy plans to publish a series of reports highlighting research and insights into these music markets. Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy, emphasized the global vision behind this initiative, stating, “Our expansion into these fast-growing regions reflects 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.”
This initiative marks the first phase of the Academy’s global support plans, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards® and following the first overseas GRAMMY Awards show in Seville. Last year, the Academy also partnered with the U.S. State Department on an initiative to promote peace through music.
British-Ghanaian entrepreneur Akosua Dentaa Amoateng MBE celebrated the announcement on social media, revealing her role as a senior consultant to the President and CEO of the Recording Academy. She shared, “Finally, the news is out – Grammy Africa! Over the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of working with the Grammys team to make this vision a reality. This journey has included organizing meetings with heads of state and leaders to ensure a successful global expansion. I am incredibly thankful to be part of this historic milestone in the global expansion of the Recording Academy.”
The GRAMMYs’ expansion into Africa and the Middle East underscores a significant step towards a more inclusive and globally connected music industry, ensuring that creators worldwide receive the recognition and support they deserve.