Ghana not part of the founding members of Grammy Africa – Lady Dentaa
The Chief Executive Officer of GUBA Enterprise, Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, has mentioned that Ghana is not part of the countries that have signed up for the Grammy Africa model that is being initiated.
Although she explains Ghana will be allowed to take part in the awards, it cannot host activities that come with this new development. The four founding countries are Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.
Speaking to Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Dentaa said Ghana could not be part of the founding members of Africa’s version of the Grammys because the country couldn’t finalise certain requirements with the Recording Academy.
“It is little bit unfortunate but the agreement that was supposed to be signed did not happen so at the moment those are the four countries that will be able to host the Grammys. It doesn’t stop any artiste from being nominated but it is just the hosting and other benefits that the country will have. At the moment Ghana is not apart of it,” she said.
When asked what could have prevented Ghana from signing the agreement in question, she said: “I think it is resources and a few things that the country will need to be part of it which I can’t say on the radio.”
That notwithstanding, Dentaa noted that the window is still open for that part of the bargain to be made. She indicated that Ghana and Ivory Coast have signed an MOU and that once they are able to fulfill the other requirements, they get to be part of the founding members and enjoy the benefits thereof.
Talking about how important the Grammy Africa will be to the creative economies in continent, the GUBA Enterprise boss noted it will open Africans to many business opportunities.
“It means a whole lot because when you look at the Grammy Awards and the 90 awards that they give, they can’t recognise all of Africa’s music; the variety of music that we do on the continent is vast. It comes with different languages and all of that, and this gives us the opportunity to celebrate Africa. When you look at the Latin Grammys that has been going on for 25 years, it is dedicated to celebrating Latin music and so to have our own, it will give us that cultural recognition, it will give us that promotion on the global stage and it will give us economic opportunities, industrial growth, it will boost tourism,” she noted.
In related news;
The Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, has announced plans to establish an African version of the prestigious awards, similar to the Latin Grammys created in 1997. This initiative aims to support music creators in rapidly growing regions by collaborating with Ministries of Culture and key stakeholders across Africa and the Middle East.
Key Highlights:
– Global Support: The Academy is partnering with cultural ministries in Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and has signed MOUs with Ghana and Ivory Coast.
– Goals and Initiatives:
1. Championing Music Creators: Providing platforms and advocacy.
2. Empowering Creators: Educational programs via GRAMMY GOTM tailored for regional needs.
3. Producing Original Content: Celebrating the musical heritage and dynamic scenes of Africa and the Middle East.
4. Enhancing Member Support: Offering benefits through cross-cultural learnings.
5. Advocating for IP Protections: Strong legislative support for music creators.
6. Fueling the Music Economy: Strengthening the creative economy through partnerships.
7. Publishing Research:Providing insights into regional music markets.
Leadership Statements:
– Harvey Mason Jr., CEO:Emphasized the importance of global support and opportunities for music creators.
– Panos A. Panay, President: Highlighted the commitment to fostering a global music community, ensuring resources and support for creators worldwide.
This expansion is part of the Academy’s mission to champion global music creators and enhance their opportunities and protections.
Read More: Nigerian Musician Davido gets 3 nominations ahead of GRAMMYs 2024.
