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African Music Earns Spotlight at Grammys with New Category

Published February 1, 2024

In a historic move by the Recording Academy, African music gains recognition with its dedicated category at the prestigious Grammy Awards. Beginning this year, an array of diverse and rich African rhythms will be spotlighted in the "Best African Music Performance" category. This recognition underscores the rising global influence of African artists in the music industry, and particularly the explosion of the Afrobeats genre, which has gained a worldwide following.

African Beat Goes Global

The new Grammy category is a nod to the increasing prominence of African musicians who, over the years, have cultivated a massive international audience. The category will feature an impressive lineup of nominees, including some of the best-known Afrobeats stars. These artists have made significant inroads on global streaming services and continue to have an expanding impact on cultural trends and music preference across continents.

Impact on Music Streaming and Entertainment Giants

Amid this cultural shift, companies such as Spotify Technology SA SPOT, which provides audio streaming services globally, stand to benefit from the growing popularity of African music on their platforms. Headquartered in Luxembourg, SPOT plays a crucial role in democratizing music access and providing a stage for international artists to reach a broader audience. Similarly, Warner Bros. WBD, with headquarters in New York, New York, is poised to leverage its entertainment platform to showcase diverse musical talents from Africa.

Grammys, African, Music