On Thursday, the administration issued a statement confirming its stated ambitions to host the annual Grammy Awards.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports issued a statement revealing that, while a deal with Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) was in existence, it did not include hosting the coveted awards.
Instead, the government and GGV agreed to establish a prestigious musical academy in Kenya.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports and the Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) signed an agreement on September 25, 2023, where the two parties collaborated on the establishment of the Africa Academy headquarters or a centre in Kenya,” the Ministry said in a statement.
According to the Ministry, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa have already signed an MoU with GGV, the worldwide arm of the organization that organises and presents the renowned Grammy Awards.
The government also stated that creating an African Academy or Centre in Kenya will provide a fantastic platform for local artists to enhance their profession.
“By hosting the Africa Academy or centre in Kenya, our music creators stand to benefit from the recording academy’s technological resources, brands, networks and expertise to create original music content that will showcase our cultural heritage to a broader audience,” the statement went on.
On Monday, December 9, President Ruto sparked controversy by claiming that the government has already paid Ksh500 million in its bid to host the Grammys in 2027.
“The money for Grammys we already paid. We already paid KSh500 million and I’m sure the gentleman from Grammys can confirm that that is the direction we are going,” Ruto had said during a town hall meeting.
Kenyans responded with a wave of criticism, accusing the administration of misplaced priorities.
Others simply determined that the country could not host one of the world’s most coveted musical awards.
However, it has since been revealed that the President was alluding to efforts to establish Kenya on the global stage by hosting the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027.
The Recording Academy, also known as the Grammys, has previously expressed interest in expanding into Africa.
In June 2024, the academy announced plans to provide online training for artists to help them succeed in the creative business.
“Through these collaborations, and in alignment with our mission, the Academy will explore several key initiatives, including fueling the music economy by collaborating with partners to develop and strengthen the creative economy in Africa and the Middle East,” read the statement in part.
