We don’t receive money from foreign government, say Grammys
The Recording Academy, the organisation that runs the Grammy Awards, has rubbished the claims that it has received money from Kenya to host the 2025 gala ceremony.
Recently during a townhall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, President William Ruto revealed that Kenya had officially placed a bid and paid some Sh500million to host the Grammy Awards.
“We have already paid the Sh500 million. This is not something we are planning to do; it’s already done. I’m confident that the gentleman here from the Grammys can confirm that we’re on the right track to securing Kenya’s position in this exciting initiative.” Ruto said.
However, the Recording Academy via a statement has distanced itself with the sentiments that it had received a “payment” from the Kenyan government towards hosting the Grammys.
It said that the 67th edition of the prestigious event will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California in the United States of America.
“We are a non-profit organisation. We do not take money from foreign governments.” The statement read in part.
During the town hall in Nairobi, Ruto emphasised his administration’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s creative industry and positioning the country as a global entertainment hub.
In April, he announced that Kenya had been chosen as one of four countries to participate in the Grammys through a collaboration with Grammy Global Ventures.
The collaboration aims to enhance Kenya’s engagement in the international creative industry.
The Grammys are the first of the “Big Three Networks” major music awards held annually, and are considered one of the four major annual American entertainment awards with the Academy Awards (for films), the Emmy Awards (for TV), and the Tony Awards (for theater).
The first Grammy Awards ceremony was held on May 4, 1959, to honuor the musical accomplishments of performers for the year 1958.
The Recording Academy (formally the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences; abbreviated NARAS) is an American learned academy of musicians, producers, recording engineers, and other musical professionals.
It is widely known for its Grammy Awards, which recognize achievements in the music industry of songs and music, which are popular worldwide.
It is a founding partner of the Grammy Museum, a non-profit organisation whose stated mission is preserving and educating about music history and significance.
