The Recording Academy has officially announced the eligibility period for submissions for the highly anticipated 2024 GRAMMY Awards. Aspiring musicians and industry giants alike can submit their entries for consideration, with the eligibility period running from October 1, 2022, through September 15, 2023.
According to the announcement, all recordings released within this time frame are eligible for consideration. However, the Academy indicated that recordings need to have to be commercially released in the United States to be considered eligible.
“Only recordings that are commercially released in the United States are eligible for consideration. Please note that credits submitted at the time of entry are considered final and determine which credited individuals are eligible for GRAMMY statutes or certificates,” the statement read.
For Ghanaians and largely across the African music industry, this announcement comes on the heels of a landmark decision made earlier in the year by the Grammy Recording Academy.
In a bid to recognize and celebrate the diverse musical talents from the African continent, the Academy introduced three new categories for the upcoming 2024 GRAMMY Awards.
The newly minted category, “Best African Music Performance,” will put a spotlight on the rich and varied musical traditions, melodic variations, harmonic compositions, and rhythmic styles that have significantly influenced and shaped African music throughout history. The inclusion of this category aims to acknowledge the immense contributions of African artists to the global music scene.
The “Best African Music Performance” category embraces a wide array of genres, including but not limited to Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro-Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz. This diverse representation reflects the multifaceted nature of African music and its continued evolution.
Ghanaian musicians, in particular, are touted to make a notable impact in the new category, given the country’s vibrant music scene and its long-standing influence on various African genres. With the introduction of this category, artistes from Ghana and other African nations have a platform to showcase their artistry and connect with a broader international audience.
Industry experts and fans are eagerly awaiting the submissions for the 2024 GRAMMYs, hoping to witness exceptional talent from the African continent receive well-deserved recognition on one of the world’s most prestigious music stages.
By: Jude Tackie
