Why African Version Of Grammy Award Is Necessary – Culture Minister

Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa has stated that the African version of the Grammy Award when it becomes a reality, will strengthen other award bodies in Africa and also reposition them for global outlook.

Recall that stakeholders in the music industry were concerned that the initiative that aims to create an award event tailored to African music could jeopardise the hard-earned progress and unique cultural identity of African music.

However, the minister at the opening ceremony of Omniverse in Lagos, stated that the African Grammy will not in any way jeopardize the progress and unique cultural identity of African music, adding that the organizers of home award shows would not be alienated.

She confirmed that the federal government was already in talks with the organizers of Grammy Awards, adding that such conversation was necessary because Nigeria cannot be left behind in view of the giant steps we have made globally in music.

Musawa stated that other countries that do not have the musical strength of Nigeria are willing to participate in the Grammy, adding that it will be disappointing for Nigeria not to be part of the conversation with the Grammy.

“We’re in talks with the Grammy, obviously, to see how we can work together. The Grammy Africa is coming to Africa anyway. Three African countries, namely Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa, were already in talks with the organizers of the global Grammy Award to explore the possibility of having its version in Africa.

“And it will be a shame for Nigeria not to be among the African countries making that move because none of those countries is making the kind of waves that Nigeria is making. Afro beats is here in Nigeria, even amapiano has been adopted by Nigeria. Nigeria is at the forefront of music, not only in Africa but in the global music scene.

“So, if a brand such as Grammy is coming to Africa and signing with African countries that do not have the musical strength of Nigeria, I think it would really be disappointing for Nigeria not to have that conversation with the Grammy to see how we can be part of it.

” The conversation with the Grammy is necessary because Nigeria cannot be left behind. But it does not mean that we are going to alienate our own home bred awards.”