The Recording Academy, known for the GRAMMY Awards, has announced plans to expand its global efforts to support music creators.

To strengthen its presence and services in these rapidly growing music regions, the Academy has partnered with Ministries of Culture and key stakeholders in the Middle East and Africa.

Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed excitement about the initiative.

“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.”
Harvey Mason Jr.

Over the past two years, Academy leaders have traveled through these regions, participating in listening sessions, high-level briefings, tours, and demonstrations.

They gained insights directly from government ministries and music creators driving innovation in these markets.

The Academy is collaborating 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. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have also been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Key initiatives of these collaborations include Championing Music Creators, Enhanced Training, Original Content Production, Support for Existing Members, Advocacy for IP Protections, and Fueling the Music Economy.

“The Recording Academy is dedicated to supporting music creators around the world,” said Panos A. Panay, Recording Academy President.

The President of the Recording Academy revealed their global vision.

“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.”
Panos A. Panay

This initiative marks the first phase of the Academy’s global support plans. It coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards® and follows 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.

Ghanaian Creative Entrepreneur Expresses Excitement About the Development

British-Ghanaian actress, Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President and CEO of Grow Unote Build Africa (GUBA) and Senior Consultant for the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs), is thrilled about the introduction of GRAMMY Africa.

Dentaa expressed her excitement in a social media post.

“Finally, the news is out – Grammy Africa! 💃🏾🕺🏾🎶. As a senior consultant to the President and CEO of the Recording Academy (Grammys), we have been working behind the scenes for this historic moment.
“Over the past year and a half, I have had the privilege of working with the Grammys team to make this vision a reality with my brothers @liban_soleman@efe_one. This journey has included organizing meetings with heads of state and leaders to ensure a successful global expansion.”
Dentaa Amoateng

Dentaa expressed gratitude to Harvey Mason Jr., President/CEO of the Recording Academy, and other dignitaries for the opportunity and their accomplishments.

“I am incredibly thankful to be part of this historic milestone in the global expansion of the Recording Academy. Thank you @harveymasonjr for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Thank you @strqtv it all started with you!”
Dentaa Amoateng

In 2023, the Recording Academy of the Grammy Awards created a new category for music from Africa.

This came after news broke that the scheme was considering creating a category for Afrobeats (to represent music from Africa).

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Recording Academy, Harvey Manson Jr. upon his visit to Ghana in 2022 reiterated the move and mentioned how meticulous they were in getting the right representation for African music.

The Best African Music Performance category is one of the three new slots that have been added to the 2024 edition of the prestigious awards scheme. The other two are the Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.

Music genres that form part of this category include Ghanaian drill and highlife.