Faith Nyasuguta
Kenya has officially bid to host the prestigious Grammy Awards, with President William Ruto revealing a commitment of Ksh 500 million ($3.9 million) towards the endeavor. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, marking the second anniversary of the Hustler Fund.
President Ruto emphasized that hosting the Grammys aligns with his administration’s vision of bolstering Kenya’s creative economy and positioning the country as a global entertainment hub. “Our plan identifies the creative economy, culture, and heritage as highly promising drivers of transformation and employment creation,” he said.
Dennis Itumbi, the head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, confirmed the proposal had been approved and funds allocated. Ruto clarified during the event, “The payment for hosting the Grammys has already been made. We’ve committed Ksh 500 million, and the Grammy representatives can confirm this is the direction we’re heading.”
The president also announced plans to bid for the 2027 World Creative Economy Conference, which, if successful, would make Kenya the first African nation to host the global event. “This initiative will unlock immense opportunities in the creative economy,” Ruto noted.
Kenya’s ambitions extend beyond just the Grammys. In December last year, Ruto declared that Grammy-related film productions would begin in Kenya starting January. Earlier this year, he visited Hollywood, where he toured Tyler Perry’s studio and engaged with key players in the American film industry. These efforts aim to cement Kenya’s reputation as a top destination for global entertainment ventures.
About the Grammys
The Grammy Awards, established in 1959, are among the most prestigious music honors worldwide, recognizing excellence across diverse genres and technical fields. Despite its stature, the Grammys have faced criticism for a perceived lack of diversity, voting transparency, and underrepresentation of certain genres like hip-hop and R&B.
By hosting the Grammys, Kenya aims to bring the spotlight to Africa’s rich musical heritage while creating opportunities for local talent and industries. The move signals the country’s commitment to becoming a key player in the global creative economy.
Will Kenya succeed in bringing the Grammys to Africa?
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