Kenyan President William Ruto has confirmed the country’s commitment to host the Grammy Awards, with a payment of $3.9 million already made. This announcement was made during a town hall meeting at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre marking the Hustler Fund’s second anniversary. The president highlighted that hosting the Grammys is part of his administration’s broader strategy to boost Kenya’s creative industry and position the country as a global entertainment hub.
Ruto emphasized that the creative economy, along with culture and heritage, will be key drivers for economic transformation and job creation. “Our plan identifies the creative economy as a promising driver of transformation and employment,” he stated. The president also confirmed that Dennis Itumbi, head of the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, had approved the proposal to host the event, with funds already transferred to secure the deal.
Additionally, President Ruto disclosed that Kenya is preparing to bid to host the World Creative Economy Conference in 2027, aiming to be the first African country to host the global event. This would significantly boost the creative sector in the country, opening new opportunities.
Ruto had earlier announced that the Grammy Awards would begin filming several films in Kenya in January 2024, reflecting his ongoing efforts to establish the country as a key player in the global creative economy. The president’s visit to Hollywood earlier this year, where he met major stakeholders in the American film industry, further solidified Kenya’s intentions.
The Grammy Awards, one of the most prestigious events in the global music industry, acknowledges exceptional achievements across various musical genres. However, the event has faced criticism for issues related to diversity, voting transparency, and the underrepresentation of certain genres, such as hip-hop and R&B.
