Ghanaian Drill Rapper, Yaw Tog has said that he believes he is one of the reasons the Recording Academy popularly referred to as the Grammy Awards added the genre to the Best African Music Performance category.
The new categories which were announced in June of 2023 encompass a wide range of genres, including but not limited to Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro-Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz.
In a recent interview with Cookie T on TV3. New Day which was monitored by Ato Nketsiah, the ‘Sore’ hitmaker boldly asserted that his body of work may have led to the addition of the genre to the Grammys
“I think I was one of the reasons the Grammy added the Ghanaian drill to the new category,”
He also mentioned other artistes who contributed to the decision by the Recording Academy.
He added, “Myself, the Asakaa boys, Kofi Jana, Kweku Flick, we did this tighter. We dropped bangers, we had our time, and everybody is part”
Yaw Tog revealed that he stumbled upon the news of the latest addition on his road manager’s Instagram story whiles relaxing in his home.
Overwhelmed with disbelief, he recalled, “I was at home relaxing, and when I saw it, I was like, ‘Yo, this can’t be possible.’ But when I saw it, I was just making noise for like 5 minutes because we are exhausted.”
The inclusion of Ghanaian Drill music in the Grammy Awards signifies a significant step forward in recognizing the talent and innovation emanating from Africa and the global African diaspora.
The genre’s unique fusion of traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary hip-hop and trap influences has captivated audiences worldwide and garnered a dedicated fan base.
Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the changes, stating, “We are excited to honour and celebrate the creators and recordings in these categories, while also exposing a wider range of music to fans worldwide.”
According to music pundits, the move presents an opportunity for the world to discover and appreciate the rich musical heritage of Africa.
The awards will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, marking another exciting chapter in the celebration of musical excellence.
Additionally, it was announced that the event will be held at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) in Los Angeles, a venue that has hosted the Grammy Awards 21 times in the past 25 years.
As the official date draws closer, Ghanaians are hopeful that these new categories will provide an opportunity for local artists in the Highlife and Ghanaian Drill scenes to shine on the international stage.
