The Grammy Awards organisers have clarified reports about hosting the 2025 ceremony in Kenya, denying claims of receiving funds from foreign governments.
Grammys organisers deny receiving money from foreign governments. Photo: Grammy Awards. Source: Instagram
This follows President William Ruto’s statement that the Kenyan government had paid KSh 500 million to bid for the prestigious event.
Why does Kenya want to host Grammy Awards?
Ruto recently asserted that hosting the Grammys would position Kenya as a global entertainment hub.
During a public address, he stated:
“We already paid. We are not about to pay. We already paid KSh 500 million, and I am sure the gentleman from Grammys can confirm that.”
However, an email purportedly from the Recording Academy, the body behind the Grammys, dismissed the reports.
The message clarified that the 2025 Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Who funds Grammys?
It also reiterated that the Grammys do not accept financial contributions from foreign governments:
“Thank you for reaching out. The 2025 Grammys will take place on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. We are a non-profit organisation. We don’t take money from foreign governments. Best regards, Recording Academy Membership Department,” the email read.
The denial raised questions about the accuracy of the Kenyan government’s claims and the transparency surrounding the bidding process.
Here are some reactions:
thischicboke:
“So, who was sent the money? We need answers.”
ibada_ahmed:
“Any country in the world can host Grammy-related events but NOT the actual GRAMMYS. The Grammy Awards in its entire history have NEVER been hosted outside of the U.S.A, except the Latin Grammy Awards (occasionally). Secondly, a significant amount of their funding comes from foundations which channel it through other foundations to support music education, music research and support for struggling artists, amongst other things. KENYA OR even Europe CANNOT host the main Grammys.”
pilot_mike_makau:
“We are just being taken for a ride as a country.”
bigman_bazuu001:
“I blame the people who believed.”
Prof Hamo gifts William Ruto old tie
In a separate story, Professor Hamo impressed the president during the Kenya Navy 60th celebrations in Mombasa county.
Hamo removed his necktie and gifted it to the president, revealing that it was passed down from his father.
The president smiled as he received the tie from the comedian Hamo and folded it nicely.
