Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has confirmed ongoing discussions with the organizers of the American Grammy Awards to establish an African version of the prestigious award show. This confirmation comes amidst criticisms from some industry players who fear that such a move could jeopardize the hard-earned progress and unique cultural identity of African music.
Speaking to reporters in Lagos, Minister Musawa emphasized Nigeria’s significance as the home of Afrobeats, asserting that the country must be counted among the founding members of the African Grammys. She also mentioned countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa as being at the forefront of championing this initiative.
However, stakeholders in the music industry have expressed concerns, calling on President Bola Tinubu to halt the partnership between the Nigerian government and the American Grammy Awards. They argue that such a partnership could undermine the progress recorded in the country’s music industry over the past two decades.
“This is a clear case of misplaced priorities. It’s shocking how the minister could endorse the adoption of an award by an entity that doesn’t understand our culture and heritage. It reeks of neo-colonialism, and many of us in the industry see it as a perpetuation of a culture of waste that could harm our economy.
“Why bring in an American entity when we have well-established music award institutions that have tirelessly celebrated and honored our music icons in an authentic African manner, gaining global acceptance in the process? Instead of supporting homegrown initiatives like the Headies, All African Music Awards, AFRIMA, Soundcity MVP Awards, and Trace Awards, among others, the minister has opted to prioritize foreign involvement. This is unacceptable and should be condemned by all those who love this country and the burgeoning creative industry.
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“There is a movement within the music industry to reject this vexatious initiative by Musawa, and we are calling on President Tinubu to prevail on the minister to bury this idea forthwith,” stakeholders expressed.
