Grammy awards unveils new categories

The Grammy Awards are set to have new categories starting from the 65th edition in 2023, organisers said on Thursday. This also includes honours for songwriting, as well as a special recognition for the best song for social change.

The new categories will include best alternative music performance, best Americana performance, best score soundtrack for video games and other interactive media and best spoken word poetry album.

The Recording Academy said it would add a prize for songwriter of the year (non-classical) and also introduce a special merit award for best song for social change, for which submissions needed to “contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy”.

This year’s award ceremony saw Africa’s own multiple award winner, Angelique Kidjo take home the ‘Best Global Music Album’ award. The ‘Mother nature’ album featured Nigerian arists  like Grammy award winner- Burna Boy alongside the talented and award winning singer, Yemi Alade.

“We’re so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration,” Recording Academy Chief Executive Harvey Mason Jr. said.

Reuters/Stephanie .S.