Kenya has officially secured the rights to host the first-ever African Grammy Awards, following a $3.9 million (Ksh 500 million) investment.
President William Ruto confirmed that the funds have already been paid, saying, “This is not something we are planning to do; it’s already done.”
Ruto also mentioned that the Grammy team is considering setting up inside the upcoming Talanta Sports Stadium, a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
With genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, and Highlife now shaping global soundtracks, the African Grammy Awards aim to give African artists the recognition they’ve long deserved.
According to Ruto, this initiative will “not only spotlight African creativity but also stimulate the economy by attracting visitors, investments, and new partnerships.” The awards are expected to boost jobs, tourism, and business opportunities across Kenya and the continent.
However, some Kenyans have questioned the $3.9 million spend, suggesting it could’ve gone to areas like healthcare or education. Ruto responded directly, saying, “As usual, there are those who doubt, the cynics who question everything we do, but… we will answer them with tangible outcomes that benefit the people.”
