William Ruto Confirms Talks Underway to Host Grammy Awards, Set Up Studio
- President William Ruto said discussions are ongoing with the Recording Academy to explore hosting the Grammy Awards in Kenya
- He made the announcement during the Kenya Music Festival, stating plans to meet Grammy organisers next month
- However, the remarks sparked public scepticism, with many Kenyans questioning past claims, including a reported KSh 500 million payment
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has said that his government is in talks with the Grammys to exploit talent in Kenya and host the coveted music awards.
Source: Facebook
Ruto attended the Kenya Music Festival on Saturday, August 16, where he mentioned that he would be meeting with the Grammy organisers next month.
“Earlier this year, we hosted the inaugural US-Kenya Creative Economy Forum, a milestone whose impact will soon be felt across the industry," he said.
Will Kenya host Grammy Awards?
"Next month, in the United States, I will meet with the Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios here in Kenya and to set in motion the journey towards eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammys in Nairobi," Ruto added.
Ruto admitted that some people would question the move but promised to respond with action. He further noted that the Grammy team is interested in developing a studio in Kenya.
“As we have always done, we will answer them with tangible outcomes that benefit the people. The Grammy team has already expressed interest in anchoring their presence within our new Talanta Stadium.
To this end, I am directing the Ministry of Youth and Creative Economy to expedite all outstanding steps to deliver a truly state-of-the-art creative experience for our artistes, producers, and innovators right here at home.”
What did Kenyans say about Grammy plans?
Kenyans were wary of the announcement and reacted by saying:
@Clemoh_Pr:
“How can the president talk about hosting the Grammys in Kenya when our artistes don’t even have proper royalty structures in place? We lack world-class arenas to stage such an event.”
@stephenmbuvi15:
“We already paid for the same last year. Where did those funds go?”
@LifeNoBalanc3:
“Some time back, he said they'd met and agreed, and he paid them KSh 500m. Are we fools?”
@DuncoMusic:
“So, we are now recycling lies! Ok.”
@Maximali002:
“We are still waiting for the promises from last year, but let’s see this one too.”
@JayPaulKe:
“Why should this guy be more obsessed with the Grammys than with what he promised in his manifesto?”
@JohnJonesMwang1:
“Another 500M loading. God save Kenya.”
@sila_jerry:
“He has lost touch with Kenyans and their priorities.”
@Kenya_I_huru:
“Grammy award again?”
Did Ruto lie about Grammys?
Source: Twitter
The statement echoes an earlier announcement made in December, when the president claimed that Kenya had submitted a bid to host the Grammy Awards and had reportedly allocated around KSh 500 million for the effort.
However, a message attributed to the Recording Academy, the organisation responsible for the Grammys, refuted these claims, confirming that the 2025 awards ceremony was to be held in Los Angeles.
The Academy also emphasised that it is a non-profit entity and does not accept funding from foreign governments.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
