From the Godfathers of Arabic rap to the father of Ethio-jazz, Grammy-winning producer Ian Brennan guides a tour through global music’s greatest The
Grammys have a major problem with global diversity. Lip service isn’t going to solve itThis week I wrote about the glaring lack of international inclusivity in the Grammys’ newly redubbed global
music (formerly world music) category.
In the category’s 38-year history, almost 80% of African nations have never had an artist nominated; no Middle Eastern or eastern European musician has ever won; every winner in the past eight years has been a repeat winner; and nearly two-thirds of the nominations have come from just six countries (the US, the
UK,
Brazil, Mali,
South Africa, India). The situation shows little signs of improving.