Govt Details Ruto's Ksh500M Deal For Grammys In Kenya After Criticism

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports on Thursday, December 19 detailed Kenya's alleged plans to host the Grammy Awards (Grammys) following President William Ruto's remarks on the matter.

In a statement, the Ministry outlined that it had signed an agreement with Grammy Global Ventures (GGV) on September 25, 2023, in which the two parties committed to collaborate in establishing the Africa Academy headquarters or a centre in Kenya.

Though this agreement was in place, it did not entail hosting the prestigious awards which would have been a rarity for awards that commonly take place within the United States (US).

"The Africa Academy entails a headquarters and centres where Grammy-branded events will be held in the region. Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa also signed MoUs and agreements for consideration to implement the Africa Academy as founder members," the statement read in part.

An image of the Grammy Award trophy. /PUNCH NEWSPAPERS

The Grammy Global Ventures is the international arm of the Recording Academy, the company that presents the Grammy Awards.

The Ministry remarked that by hosting the Africa Academy or Center in Kenya, Kenya's music creators stand to benefit from the Recording Academy's technological resources, brand, networks, and expertise to create original music content that will showcase our cultural heritage to a broader audience.

"In addition, it will enhance the visibility of our artistic scene and position our country as the epicentre of entertainment in Africa. Numerous benefits will accrue to our local economy in terms of job creation, increased business activity, and development of music production infrastructure. More importantly, our artistes will earn more from the global exposure of their work," added the statement.

The government went on to reveal that it has met all its financial obligations as stated in the agreement by making the 4th and final instalment of the net fee of Ksh323.9 million (USD 2,500,000) this month, bringing the country into pole position to host the Academy.

At the time of signing the agreement, the Kenya Shilling was performing significantly weaker against the US Dollar. The government added that it saved a lot of money in subsequent instalments after the Kenya Shilling gained in strength this year.

"For the Africa Academy to be realized, at least 2 founding members have to pay an equal fee of USD 2,500,000. The money is to be used to set up and operationalize the Africa Academy headquarters in the initial stages. If more than 2 founding members pay the fee, GGV will use the excess money equally in the founding member countries to stage Grammy events," added the statement.

The government further expressed the country's readiness to host the Africa Academy or its centre in Kenya once it is confirmed, and that the project can be hosted in the 160-acre Digital Media City at the Konza Technopolis "which we have already signed financing agreements with the Republic of Korea for the construction of the anchor building and site infrastructure. The development is at the design stage," added the Ministry.

On Monday, December 9, President Ruto courted controversy after suggesting the government has already paid Ksh500 million in its bid to host the Grammys in 2027. “The money for Grammys we already paid. We already paid KSh500 million and I’m sure the gentleman from Grammys can confirm that that is the direction we are going,” Ruto had said during a town hall meeting.

What followed however was a wave of criticism from Kenyans, who criticised the government for what they termed as misplaced priorities. Others simply concluded the country couldn't host one of the most prestigious musical awards globally, which would have brought together most of the A-listers in Hollywood's music and film scene in the 254.

However, it has now emerged that the President was referring to plans to put Kenya on the world map by hosting the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027. If the government's plans are successful, Kenya could unlock the creative economy on a global scale.

Notably, this is not the first time the Recording Academy, known as the Grammys, has talked of an expansion to Africa. In June 2024, the academy announced intentions to conduct online training for artists to help them thrive in the creative industry.