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The golden gramophone, coveted by musicians worldwide, isn't just a trophy – it's a symbol of artistic excellence recognized by the industry itself.
But how do these prestigious Grammy Awards get handed out?
In this article, we'll take a snape peek behind the curtain at the Grammys' selection process, with a focus on the recent addition of African music categories.
Going Global:
The Grammys haven't always been so inclusive. The 1992 introduction of the "Best World Music Album" category (now "Best Global Music Album") marked a turning point, celebrating diverse musical traditions beyond the Western mainstream.
This commitment continued in 2022 with the addition of "Best Global Music Performance" and the highly anticipated "Best African Music Performance."
Nigerian Hopes Rise, But No Wins:
This year, Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide, and Ayra Starr received nominations in the Best African Music Performance category, raising hopes for Nigerian representation.
Unfortunately, none took home the award. Tyla Laura Seethal a South African took it home, sparking discussions about the voting process and its fairness.
But how exactly does a song or album go from a local studio to the coveted golden gramophone stage? Let's take a peek behind the curtain.
Step 1: Submit Your Masterpiece
The journey begins with submission. Record companies and artists submit their works to the Recording Academy for consideration, both online and with a physical copy.
Be sure to check the eligibility criteria carefully, including release dates and category guidelines.
This year, only works released between October 1, 2022, and September 15, 2023, were eligible.
Step 2: The Expert Eye
A panel of 150 industry experts from diverse musical backgrounds sifts through the submissions, deciding which ones move on to the next stage.
This is the first hurdle, where your work needs to stand out on its own merit.
Step 3: The Member's Choice
Now it's the Academy members' turn. These are musicians, producers, engineers, and other industry veterans who vote for their top picks in each category.
The recordings with the most votes become the official nominees. Remember, votes are based solely on artistic and technical merit, not sales or popularity.
Step 4: The Final Showdown
The nominees face off in the final round, where voting members cast their ballots once again.
This time, they can vote in the four general categories (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist) and ten categories within their area of expertise.
Secrecy is crucial, with voter identities kept confidential to ensure unbiased results.
Step 5: And the Winner Is…
The winners are finally revealed at the star-studded Grammy Awards ceremony, and their talent and dedication are recognized on the global stage.
The Global Stage Beckons
With the new Best African Music Performance category, the Grammys are actively seeking out the next Fela Kuti or Burna Boy.
If you're a Nigerian artist creating music that transcends borders, remember, the eligibility period for the 2025 Grammys opens on September 16, 2023.
So, keep creating and pushing boundaries, and who knows, you might find yourself holding your golden gramophone next year!
