African music already has a global audience and doesn’t need its own awards event, according to Ghanaian artist M3nsa, who has voiced his displeasure of the Grammy Awards’ expansion into the continent.

M3nsa recently made the case in an interview with Francis Abban on Morning Starr that African music ought to be acknowledged on the main stage instead of being divided into a different “African version” if it is of comparable quality.

According to him, this division results in a “no colors” environment, which suggests that African music is being demoted to a lesser position.

In addition, since that is what people want to hear, invite us to the main event if the music we are doing is just as good as everyone else’s.

The moment they begin to partition this, it turns into a “no colors” scenario. An African Grammy is not necessary. when our personal music is heard on a worldwide scale. “It’s unexpected, but perhaps there’s more thought involved,” he remarked.

His remarks are in response to the Recording Academy’s intentions to launch an African Grammy Awards in an effort to strengthen the Academy’s position in the quickly expanding music business.

Despite having received multiple honors and being nominated twice for MOBO awards, he revealed that his music career is not designed to pursue accolades.

The Recording Academy, which is widely recognised for hosting the esteemed Grammy Awards, has declared its intention to launch an African edition of the ceremony in an effort to increase the Academy’s influence in the continent’s quickly expanding music industry.

But as anticipation grows for the first-ever Grammy Africa Awards, which are set to take place in 2027 or 2028, Ghana finds itself left out of the limelight of this momentous occasion due to its inability to meet the prerequisites in order to become one of the founding members of the

awards, along with South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

“Ghana would forfeit the important chances and prestige that come with being a founding member and host, even though Ghanaian artists will still be able to submit nominations and participate in the Grammy Africa Awards”, she said.

M3nsa is getting ready to release his three-part EP titled “FOLAH,” which stands for “Fear Of Love And Happiness.” It touches on delicate subjects that we avoid discussing.

He also mentioned that the next project will discuss social issues and interpersonal realities rather than the typical “I dey feel your body vibe.”

BY: APPIANIMAA MERCY