On Thursday, the government clarified rumors about plans to host the Grammy Awards in the country.
In a statement from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, the government explained that while there was an agreement with Grammy Global Ventures (GGV), it did not involve hosting the actual Grammy Awards. Instead, the agreement was focused on setting up a prestigious music academy in Kenya.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports and Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) signed an agreement on September 25, 2023, to work together in establishing the Africa Academy headquarters or a center in Kenya,” the statement said. The Ministry also mentioned that other countries, such as Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with GGV, which is the international division of the company that organizes the Grammy Awards.
The government further explained that hosting the Africa Academy or center in Kenya would provide local musicians with an excellent opportunity to improve their skills. “By having the Africa Academy or center in Kenya, our music creators will have access to the Academy’s technological resources, networks, and expertise to create original music that will share our cultural heritage with a larger audience,” the statement added.
The confusion started on Monday, December 9, when President Ruto sparked controversy by suggesting that the government had already paid Ksh500 million in an attempt to host the Grammys in 2027. It was later clarified that the President was actually referring to plans to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027, which would help put Kenya on the global map. If successful, this event could boost Kenya’s creative economy internationally.
The Ministry explained that to establish the Africa Academy, two founding members must each contribute USD 2,500,000 (about Ksh324 million). This money will be used to set up and run the Africa Academy headquarters, especially in the early stages.
The Ministry also noted that any extra funds raised would be used by GGV to organize Grammy events in one of the two founding member countries.