American supermodel, Naomi Campbell has written an open letter to the Grammys to make Afrobeats have its own categories.
Naomi took to her Instagram page to congratulate Angelique Kidjo on winning and praised Burna stating that his loss was due to lack of education. In her lengthy post, Noami wrote an open letter to the Grammys for categorizing Afrobeats – a genre which she revealed has brought joy and strength to her life into the βΛWorld Music` category at the 2020 Grammys. She added that their misinterpretation diminished the genre
Naomi implored the Grammy board to reassess their perspective of the World Music Category and include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and all the subcategories that the genre so deserves just like any other respected and recognized musical genre.
She wrote, First, I want to say deepest congratulations to @angeliquekidjo for her award on Sunday, and thank you to you for spreading light and opening minds through your music… And to our AFRICAN GIANT, @burnaboygram… it is only due to lack of education that you have not been honored with the accolades you so truly deserve. You are always a winner in our hearts. ALWAYS.Β
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…Β
Recently, the genre was categorized into your βΛWorld 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.Β
Please take the next 363 days to reassess and reflect on your perspective of βΛWorld Music.` 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.Β
Please get up to speed on the state of all popular music today, and include Afrobeats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves – just as any other respected and recognized musical genre.Β This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve. #ForTheCulture #NAOMIAFRICA #grammys
See her post below:
