The Recording Academy, known for its prestigious GRAMMY Awards, is making significant strides in expanding its global reach to support artists in emerging music markets. Recently, the Academy announced plans to collaborate with Ministries of Cultures and key stakeholders in Africa and the Middle East to strengthen its presence and services in these regions.
Harvey Mason jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, emphasizing the importance of providing support, resources, and opportunities to music creators worldwide. Over the past two years, the Academy has engaged with leaders in these regions through listening sessions, briefings, tours, and direct interactions with governmental ministries and innovative music creators.
In addition to enhancing training programs on its learning platform “GRAMMY GO,” the Academy aims to offer tailored educational programs and resources to meet the unique needs of music creators in Africa and the Middle East. They also plan to create original content that showcases the diverse musical heritage and vibrant music scenes of these regions.
Through collaborations with Ministries of Culture in countries like Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as partnerships with organizations in Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast, the Academy is committed to expanding its global footprint. They will also release reports that provide valuable insights into the music markets of Africa and the Middle East.
Panos A. Panay, the President of the Recording Academy, reiterated the organization’s dedication to supporting music creators worldwide. He highlighted the importance of creating a truly global music community where artists from every corner of the world can access the resources and support needed to succeed in their careers.
With these ambitious expansion efforts, the Recording Academy is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse music industry, ensuring that artists from Africa and the Middle East have the opportunity to thrive on a global stage. This initiative not only benefits individual creators but also enriches the global music landscape by celebrating the rich cultural diversity of these regions.