President Ruto Pledges Ksh500 Million to Bring Grammys to Kenya

Kenya is making a striking move to host the Grammy Awards, an event that has exclusively taken place in the United States since its inception in 1959.

President William Ruto yesterday announced this ambitious initiative during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), revealing that the Kenyan government has already allocated Sh500 million to the Recording Academy in the US to secure the event. The Grammy Awards, presented annually by the Recording Academy, honour exceptional achievements across various music genres and categories.

Although historically confined to American soil, the Recording Academy has previously organized international Grammy-related initiatives such as museum exhibitions and cultural outreach programs in countries including China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. While the announcement has generated considerable excitement, the Kenyan government has not yet disclosed a specific timeline for the awards or clarified whether the event will encompass a full Grammy ceremony or a related program.

Dennis Itumbi, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Executive Office of the President, indicates that President Ruto is scheduled to meet with a representative from the Recording Academy to finalize the details of the agreement. Should Kenya successfully host the Grammys, the country could welcome international music icons like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Adele, and Kanye West. This would not only enhance Kenya’s standing as a tourist destination but also hold significant potential for the growth of its creative economy.

This initiative reflects President Ruto's broader vision of investing in and elevating the nation's creative sector. Adding to this momentum, President Ruto also announced during the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens that Hollywood Innovation Studios will begin shooting multiple films in Kenya starting in January. This collaboration aims to enrich local talent and establish Kenya as a central hub for the creative and cultural industries.

The nominations for key music categories highlight an exciting year in the industry. For Album of the Year, contenders include André 3000 for "New Blue Sun," Beyoncé with "Cowboy Carter," Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n’ Sweet," and Little-known names like Charli XCX and Jacob Collier also make appearances. In the Record of the Year category, The Beatles return with "Now and Then," alongside works from Beyoncé, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kendrick Lamar. Emerging talents compete for Best New Artist, with names like Benson Boone, Doechii, and Chappell Roan in the running.

The Song of the Year nominations feature tracks by Shaboozey, Billie Eilish, and Taylor Swift. Additionally, the Best Pop Vocal Album category includes contenders like Sabrina Carpenter and Billie Eilish, while R&B selections highlight songs by Kehlani and SZA. In the Best Country Album category, Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Chris Stapleton are among the notable nominees.