Grammy-Award-winning American singer and pianist, John Legend, together with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido and Beninsese singer Angelique Kidjo have reacted to the global expansion efforts in Africa and the Middle East by the Recording Academy.

In attempts to help music creators across the two continents, the organisation behind the prestigious and decorated Awards scheme Grammys, the Recording Academy announced global expansion efforts earlier this month.

The Academy is working with the Ministries of Culture in Kenya, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and Nigeria, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Ministry of Sports, Arts, and Culture in South Africa. Additionally, MOUs have been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Through these collaborations, and in alignment with their mission, the Academy looks to explore several key initiatives, including:

In their quest to push music creators at all levels, providing them with a platform and advocacy, and advocating for strong intellectual property legislation and protections for music creators, Fueling the music economy by collaborating with partners to develop and strengthen the creative economy in Africa and the Middle East, etc.

“This exploration into the Middle East and Africa is only the first phase and comes the same year the Academy celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards, and months after Seville hosted the Latin GRAMMY Awards, the first GRAMMY Awards show to be held overseas”.

” As an African musician, I’m excited about the Recording Academy’s expansion into Africa and the Middle East”, adding ” It acknowledges our vibrant talent and the global influence of African music ”

Davido

“The Recording Academy is accelerating its efforts to serve music people everywhere, and Africa is ready with open arms. We are a continent of music and young, passionate music makers”

Angelique Kidjo.

John Legend also expressed excitement over the Academy’s meaningful steps to globalise its mission and reach.

” It’s global and transcends cultural, political, and language barriers. I’m so glad that the Recording Academy, the leading organisation serving music creators, is evolving to be a more global organisation”

John Legend