By BigEyeUg Team
Kenya has officially won the bid to host the first-ever African Grammy Awards, marking a historic milestone for the continent’s entertainment industry.
The announcement was confirmed by President William Ruto, who revealed that the government has already invested $3.9 million (Ksh 500 million) to secure the hosting rights.
“This is not something we are planning to do; it’s already done,” President Ruto said, emphasizing that the payment had been fully processed. The initiative was supported by Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, who pushed for Kenya to lead the continent in hosting the prestigious music event.
Beyond the Grammy Awards, Kenya is also setting its sights on global creative platforms. President Ruto disclosed that his administration is actively bidding to host the World Creative Economy Conference 2027, which, if successful, would make Kenya the first African country to stage the international gathering.
“This is about unlocking the full potential of our creative economy,” Ruto noted, highlighting his government’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, talent growth, and international partnerships.
The announcement follows the president’s earlier Hollywood tour, where he visited Tyler Perry Studios and held discussions with top American film industry leaders.
Kenya has since signed agreements that will see multiple international film productions shot in the country beginning this year—a move aimed at boosting investment and positioning Kenya as a global creative hub.
The Grammy Awards, organized annually by The Recording Academy, are regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the global music industry. Since their debut on May 4, 1959, the Grammys have celebrated excellence in music across genres and technical fields, attracting worldwide recognition.