Nigeria took part in a round table meeting with organisers of the Grammy Awards, Recording Academy, and four other countries to investigate modalities for a Global African Music upscale.
The meeting which took place at the Convention Centre in Kigali, Rwanda is aimed at elevating the vibrant music and culture of Africa unto the global stage.
A statement made available, signed by Nneka Anibeze, the special adviser, media and publicity to the minister of arts, culture and creative economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa, said the steering committee consisting of ministers of art, culture and creative economy of Kenya, Rwanda, a delegation from South Africa, the CEO of the Latin Recording Academy and representatives of Afrexim Bank and Recording Academy resolved to advance the creative industries across the continent and support the diverse artistic heritage.
“I must salute our Afrobeat superstars as their globalisation and emergence into global pop culture has brought the Grammies to Africa.
I will first thank the legends of the Nigerian Music industry that brought us here; Burna Boy, WIzkid, Don Jazzy, Dbanj, Davido, P-Square, 2Face, Asake, Tiwa Savage, and others too numerous to mention.
“Nigeria was invited to this meeting by the Recording Academy following the global success of Nigeria’s afrobeats movement. As Africans, we are the future. We are undeniable and have a voice which must be used to propel the unity and progress of Africans and the black race worldwide.
“The music industry provides an alternative source of revenue for Nigeria and other African countries, thus reducing dependency on traditional sectors like oil. The Nigerian music industry is enjoyed across Africa and the globe, providing employment opportunities for millions of young people while promoting African culture and generating foreign currency for the country’s GDP.
Olaitan Ibrahim