The Academy hope to empower creators through enhanced training on its learning platform, while also providing educational programmes and resources specifically tailored to the needs of music creators in these regions.
The Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards, is set to broaden its support for music creators globally. The Academy has forged agreements with Ministries of Culture and key stakeholders across the Middle East and Africa, aiming to enhance its presence and services in these burgeoning music regions.
Speaking about the expansion plan, Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of The Recording Academy, said: “This is exciting because music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources. It is critical that the people who dedicate themselves to creating music have support, resources, and opportunities, no matter where they are from.”
Over the past two years, Academy leaders have toured these regions, participated in listening sessions, and received insights directly from both governmental ministries and music creators driving innovation in these markets.
The Academy is collaborating with the Ministries of Culture in Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria; the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, UAE; the Rwanda Development Board (RDB); and the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture in South Africa. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have also been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
These partnerships aim to explore several key initiatives: championing music creators at all levels, providing a platform and advocacy, empowering creators through enhanced training, producing original content celebrating the rich musical heritage and dynamic emerging scenes of Africa and the Middle East, enhancing support for existing members, advocating for strong Intellectual Property (IP) protections, and fueling the music economy by developing the creative economy in these regions. As part of this initiative, the Academy will publish a series of reports highlighting its research and insights into these music markets.
Panos A. Panay, Recording Academy President, added: “The Recording Academy is dedicated to supporting music creators around the world. Our expansion efforts into these fast-growing regions reflect our commitment to fostering a truly global music community, where creators at every stage of their careers and from every corner of the world have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
Paul Pacifico, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission, stated: “We are excited to become a part of the global Grammys family, working to unite a growing range of music and talent from around the world as we strive to develop an inclusive and sustainable industry which fosters a rich tapestry of music and talent from diverse corners of the globe. We eagerly anticipate the benefits we know this partnership will bring to our music community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the opportunities it will deliver for Saudi music to take its place on the global stage and contribute to a more globally representative and vibrant music industry.”
This expansion into the Middle East and Africa marks the first phase of the Academy’s plans to support music creators worldwide. It coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Latin Grammy Awards, and follows the historic hosting of the Latin Grammy Awards in Seville, the first Grammy Awards show held overseas.
