Kenya’s President, William Ruto, recently announced the country’s intention to host the prestigious Grammy Awards with a commitment of Ksh 500 million ($3.9 million). This announcement was made during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre to commemorate the second anniversary of the Hustler Fund.
President Ruto emphasized that hosting the Grammys is part of the government’s strategy to elevate Kenya’s creative industry and position the country as a global entertainment hub. He highlighted the significance of the creative economy, culture, and heritage in driving transformation and creating employment opportunities.
The decision to host the Grammys was confirmed by Dennis Itumbi, the head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, who disclosed that the proposal had been approved and the necessary payment had been made. President Ruto further reiterated the government’s commitment by stating that the funds had already been transferred for hosting the prestigious awards ceremony.
In addition to the Grammys, President Ruto revealed plans to bid for the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027, aiming to make Kenya the first African country to host the event. This initiative is expected to unlock the full potential of the creative economy in the country.
Earlier reports indicated that the Grammy Awards would begin filming in Kenya in January of this year, following President Ruto’s declaration in December. The President also visited Hollywood and met with key stakeholders in the American film industry, including a visit to Tyler Perry’s studio.
The Grammy Awards, also known as the Grammys, is a globally renowned music awards event organized by the Recording Academy to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry. Since its inception in 1959, the Grammys have celebrated excellence across various musical genres and technical fields.
Despite its prestige, the Grammy Awards have faced criticism for issues such as lack of diversity, transparency in voting procedures, and the underrepresentation of genres like hip-hop and R&B. However, with Kenya’s ambitious plans to host the event, it signals a significant step towards establishing the country as a prominent player in the global entertainment landscape.
