More African nominees, a brand-new category for ‘Best African Music Performance’ and a panel appearance by some of SA’s biggest players in the entertainment industry
1 February 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa – Labelled as a “fount of brilliant musical offerings” by CEO of The Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jnr., Africa continues to fortify its status on the global music stage.
Six African artists who have changed the way the world views our music are nominated for ‘Best African Music Performance’ at the upcoming 66th Grammy Awards, and industry greats are confident that the continent is on track to take home a Grammy for the third year in a row!
“African music is deep etched in a culture that is raw, real and unrefined,” says Adam Byars, Joint CEO and Partner of Grid Worldwide and 608 Experiences, and no stranger to the Grammys. “We’re seeing the impact of this cultural influence not only in the music created across the continent but in the way that it resonates with a global audience.”
Byars, who leads a company that authentically enables brands to ‘play in culture’, returns to the Grammy Museum panel alongside Grammy award-winner Zakes Bantwini and Independent Media Group Africa (IMG) business partner and manager Sibo Mhlungu on 1 February.
Committed to driving the movement of South African and African music forward, Bantwini and Byars have worked together for the past three years to curate a creative collective that develops up-and-coming talent and empowers people and brands to create meaning through music and cultural experiences.
Tackling the topic of the rise and influence of African music on the global music stage, the three South African panelists are determined to show the world that Africa is a creative force to be reckoned with.
