This new award includes many styles, from Afrobeat to Afro-fusion through Kwassa Kwassa and Ndombolo from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana drill, Afro-House or South African hip-hop, said in a statement the Recording Academy, which brings together professionals in the music industry.
The category will reward "recordings that use the unique local expressions of the African continent," add the organizers of the Grammys.
Long accused of not sufficiently reflecting the diversity and evolution of the music industry, the Grammy Awards have sought for years to expand the range of styles and registers of awards. The category of the best soundtrack for a video game was added in 2022.
Musicians from countries on the African continent, such as Franco-Beninese Angélique Kidjo (5 wins, 14 nominations) or Nigerian Burna Boy (one win, 6 nominations), regularly dominate the "world music" categories of the Grammys.
At the 65th edition on February 5 in Los Angeles, a trio led by South African DJ-producer Zakes Bantwini, a pillar of local house, won with a title in Zulu in the category best world music performance.
The 2024 edition will also honor two other new categories: Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.
In 2023, 91 awards were presented for as many categories, including pop, rock, classical, hip-hop, gospel, or country genres.
© 2023 AFP