Grammy Academy president Panos Panay to visit Nairobi for creative economy talks

Grammy Recording Academy President Panos Panay is set to visit Nairobi in May.

Panay will be in Nairobi from 26th to 29th for talks with President William Ruto on opportunities within Kenya’s creative economy and the country’s position in the global music industry.

In a press release dated April 29, the Recording Academy confirmed the visit is supported by the US Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program, which engages American arts professionals to promote international collaboration and cultural diplomacy.

The Academy said Panay and President Ruto will explore opportunities focused on talent development.

“The American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) aims to foster stronger global connections in the industry by connecting international music professionals with experienced United States-based mentors from the Academy, with a focus on cultivating the behind-the-scenes professionals essential to thriving music markets worldwide,” the statement read.

Panay is also scheduled to meet senior government officials, artists, and music industry leaders to exchange views on expanding opportunities and strengthening the global music industry’s footprint in Africa.

The visit builds on Kenya’s participation in the American Music Mentorship Program, a joint initiative between the US government and the Recording Academy launched in 2024.

The Recording Academy said Kenya has been selected to participate for a second consecutive year, with a new cohort expected to join in fall 2026.

The Grammy Awards, widely regarded as the highest honour in the music industry, are presented annually by the Recording Academy.

They celebrate excellence across multiple genres and remain among the most prestigious accolades globally.

Panay’s visit comes amid Kenya’s bid to host the Grammys, an event that has never been held outside the United States since its inception in 1959.

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi has maintained that the project remains active, with a major update expected before June.

“Welcome to Kenya, the Recording Academy and the Grammys. Let us engage and fire up our creative economy, while connecting our talents to the global business,” he wrote on his X account.

In December 2024, President Ruto said Kenya had already paid Sh500 million to support efforts to bring the awards to the country. However, timelines and whether the plan involves a full ceremony or related events remain unclear.