English Model Naomi Campbell has criticised Recording Academy, the organisers of the Grammys Awards, for not giving enough recognition to the Afrobeats genre in the awards.
The model penned down an open letter to the organisers of the awards and claimed Burna boy was not awarded as a result of ‘lack of education’ on the path of the organisers.
Parts of the letter reads: “And to The @RecordingAcademy, There is something that brings joy, strength and happiness to myself, and to so many people that hear it, and it is called Afrobeats. Afrobeats is a musical genre played on mainstream and primetime radio not only across the continent of Africa, but across the world…
Recently, the genre was categorized into your ‘World Music’ category at the 2020 Grammys. This misrepresentation diminishes an entire genre in which such a high standard of talent has emerged; a genre that has been a force of hope and positivity for many, and a vehicle for artistry on the continent of Africa.”
She asked the organisers to take the next 363 days to reassess and reflect on their perspective of ‘World Music.’
She went on: “Did the world get to vote for this award, or was it only the people in the United States a part of The Recording Academy? What will this neglectful categorization of music mean to individual cultures? Cultures who contribute their blood, sweat and tears, and every level of their creativity and work ethic into making music for YOU and for all of us.”
The model asked the Grammy organisers to include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves.
“This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve. ❤️❤️ #ForTheCulture,” she added.
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