Kenya Has Paid Sh500M To Host The Grammys

President William Ruto has disclosed that the government has paid Ksh500 million to host Grammy Awards in Kenya.

Speaking during a townhall meeting on Monday, December 9, Ruto confirmed that the payment for hosting the event has already been made.

“We have already paid the Ksh500 million. This is not something we are planning to do; it’s already done. I’m confident that the gentleman here from the Grammys can confirm that we’re on the right track to securing Kenya’s position in this exciting initiative,” he said.

In September 2023, former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba visited the Grammy Awards headquarters in Los Angeles, aiming to strengthen partnerships between Kenya and the Recording Academy.

During his meeting with Academy President Panos Panay, they discussed initiatives to elevate Kenya’s music scene.

Two months later in December 2023, Ruto announced that Grammy Awards would begin shooting multiple movies in the country.

Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, he said Hollywood’s innovation studio agreed to partner with Kenya to elevate talents.

“This administration has also taken deliberate steps to build and invest in the creative economy. First, the famous Grammy Awards have a partnership with us, and starting January, the innovation studios of Hollywood have agreed to begin shooting multiple movies right here in Kenya,” he said.

The Grammy Awards, originally known as the Gramophone Awards, first took place on May 4, 1959, honoring musical achievements from 1958.

Their inception was linked to the Hollywood Walk of Fame project, where music executives sought to recognize artists not eligible for stars on the Walk of Fame.

Initially held in multiple locations, the first televised ceremony occurred in 1971.

Over the years, the Grammys have evolved, with categories added and removed, and they are now regarded as a premier recognition in the music industry, akin to the Oscars in film.