The Recording Academy, the organizing body behind the Grammy Awards, has introduced a new category called “Best African Music Performance.” This addition reflects the Academy’s recognition of the vibrant and diverse music landscape in Africa and its commitment to honoring excellence in African music on a global platform.
The category was among the three new ones announced by the academy in a statement released via its website on Tuesday.
The other two newly created categories are Best Pop Dance Recording and Best Alternative Jazz Album.
According to the statement, the new categories will receive nominations beginning with next year’s show.
“The addition of the Best African Music Performance category reflects how African acts such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Black Sherif and Tems —along with the rise of the Afrobeats genre—have become global chart-topping stars and streaming juggernauts,” the statement reads in part.
The Grammy “Best African Music Performance” category is open to both contemporary and traditional music from the African continent including Afrobeats, Afro-pop, Amapiano, High Life, Fuji etc.