Kenya Bids $3.9 Million to Host First-Ever African Grammy Awards, Locals Outraged by Decision

• Kenya is one of the African countries that has paid millions to host the first-ever African Grammy Awards
• President William Ruto confirmed that they have bid $3.9 million so far to position Kenya as a leading hub for Africa's creative and entertainment industry
• Locals were not happy with the government’s priorities and bashed them in the comments of an Instagram post

Two years ago, Kenya’s Ministry of Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports signed an agreement with Grammy Global Ventures, the international arm of the Recording Academy.

The organisation aimed to establish an African headquarters or centre in Kenya, not to immediately host the ceremony itself. Other countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, are also competing to host the centre.

The president of Kenya, William Ruto, confirmed that $3.9 million has been paid towards the bid, meeting its full financial obligation under the agreement. Contrary to what most people believe, the agreement is not to host the Grammy Awards, but to host the African Grammy Awards Academy or Centre.

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More on the bid to host Grammy Awards Academy in Africa

The hosting of the academy would offer a country resources like infrastructure, branding, training, and global music networks. President Ruto and other government officials explained that if they were to lose the bid, the money would be refunded.

There has not been any official announcement from the Recording Academy or Global Ventures, acknowledging receipt of funds or confirmation that Kenya will be hosting the centre. People on social media were wowed to learn about the innovations and how much Kenya has invested.

An Instagram post by @afrika.world explained Kenya planned to build world-class music studios, nurture local talent, and provide African artists with global recognition:

“By hosting the Grammys, Kenya seeks to showcase its vibrant cultural scene and strengthen its creative economy.”

This information did not sit well with Kenyan people, who thought the government was focusing on the wrong things. Locals flooded the comments section of the post and highlighted that the country was not even recognised for its musical contributions and should rather deal with pressing issues.

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People react to Kenya’s bid to host Grammy Academy

Social media users were not excited by Kenya’s bid and shared their thoughts in a thread of comments:

@shell.mith._ shared:

“Misplaced priorities.”

@saidapoeticscholar was disappointed:

“One day, Africa will be led by great minds again.”

@audre_dbaer wondered:

“Correct me if I'm wrong, but the $3.9 million could have been used to ‘build world-class music studios, nurture local talent, and provide African artists with global recognition’ rather than to just host it?”

@bobby. bobstar explained:

“To find out Kenya is struggling with its health care and education sector, but poor leaders prefer to spend taxpayers' money on nonsense! Africa is in the hands of poor leadership.”

@nicky_khu14 said:

“COVID-19 failed us. It didn't kill old people in power.”

@nicoleblakepr was against the bid:

“The Grammys? The Recording Academy? The Same gatekeepers/organisation with a history of sidelining and overlooking Black artists? They have a shrinking audience in the United States, and now they're turning to Africa. It's called fundraising, not a bid! It's time to create our own and stop begging for seats at empty tables.”

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@pmolepo pointed out:

“African leaders will do everything but prioritise the well-being of their citizens. Just yesterday, there were violent youth protests in Kenya fighting for their discontent with the high cost of living, corruption, and police brutality, and then the government thinks that hosting the Grammy Awards would be a good idea. These leaders really don't care, constantly showing their citizens the middle finger, and are completely tone deaf. I hope this is not true.”

@chichired10 wondered:

“Are there talented musicians in Kenya?”

@nkufinews explained:

“We do not need any Grammys. We need to create our own and develop it. Grammy is dying already here in America. Viewerships are going down year after year.”

Tyla becomes first South African to win Grammy and other major awards

Briefly News also reported that Tyla has acquired a few big awards and nominations in 2024 and 2025, including a Grammy Award win and the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The Water hitmaker broke the record when she won a big award at the 2025 American Music Awards.

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The Johannesburg-born star also got recognised here at home when she scored a whopping four awards at the South African Music Awards 2024. The singer also walked away with 3 awards at the MTV European Music Awards (EMAs).

Source: Briefly News