The Grammy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., has revealed that the Grammy panel is having an ongoing consideration to add an Afrobeats category to the prestigious award ceremony. At a press conference held over the weekend in Ghana, Mason revealed he had been meeting with top players in the genre to explore this possibility.
He also stated, “We had a virtual listening session where we heard from Afrobeats creators and just talked about ‘What are the different subgenres? What are the needs? What are the desires?,’” he adds. “And my goal is to represent all genres of music, including Afrobeats, at the Grammys.” He made it very clear to the public that the decision to add the Afrobeats category is far from final. I don’t decide categories,” he explains. “The categories are decided by proposals submitted by members. The members can say ‘Harvey, I want an Afrobeat category…’ So that process has started now. I think the listening session last week was very important, very valuable, and a step towards that path.”
African music has become a phenomenon, as it continues to take over the music scene on a global scale, with artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid pushing the African sound across borders and finally getting the recognition, accolades and respect of music fans from all over the world.