Ghana missed a significant opportunity to host the Grammy Africa Awards, which was ready to be the premier platform for celebrating and showcasing the diverse musical talents across the continent, following the successful model of the Latin Grammys established in 1997.
The Recording Academy, a globally renowned organization responsible for the esteemed Grammy Awards, recently revealed plans to launch an African version of the event to expand its presence in rapidly growing music markets.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Grammy Africa Awards, scheduled for either 2027 or 2028, Ghana has been left out of this momentous occasion due to its failure to meet the necessary criteria for participation alongside the founding countries—Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Lady Dentaa Amoateng, Senior Advisor to the Grammy CEO and President of Grammy Africa, disclosed in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, that Ghana was unable to fulfill certain requirements set by the Recording Academy, with resource constraints being cited as one of the contributing factors. She expressed regret over the situation, stating that the agreement that would have secured Ghana’s involvement did not come to fruition.
“As a result, the four countries–Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa will be the ones hosting the Grammy Africa Awards and enjoying the associated benefits. So for now, Ghana is not part of the founding member countries.
“While Ghanaian artistes will still be eligible for nominations and participation in the Grammy Africa Awards, the country will miss out on the significant opportunities and prestige that come with being a founding member and host”, she remarked. This development signifies a missed opportunity for Ghana to solidify its position on the global music platform and capitalize on the cultural and economic perks associated with hosting such a prominent event.
Lady Dentaa, however, conveyed her excitement for the forthcoming event, highlighting its potential to bridge the gap between African artists and the global creative community. She informed Graphic Showbiz that the Academy had been actively collaborating with cultural ministries and key stakeholders in Africa and the Middle East over the past two years.
