The Grammys recently annouced it has renamed the World Music Album Category to Global Music Album. The academy says it is in “a more relevant, modern and inclusive term.”

In a statement, the Grammys said

“As we continue to embrace a truly global mindset, we update our language to reflect a more appropriate categorisation that seeks to engage and celebrate the current scope of music from around the world,” the statement read.

“Over the summer we held discussions with artists, ethnomusicologists, and linguists from around the world who determined that there was an opportunity to update the best world music album category toward a more relevant, modern, and inclusive term.

“The change symbolizes a departure from the connotations of colonialism, folk, and ‘non-American’ that the former term embodied while adapting to current listening trends and cultural evolution among the diverse communities it may represent.”

“Global Music will continue to provide a home for influential music from all parts of the globe yet bringing with it a fresh perspective fueled by authenticity, diversity, and direct inclusion into our process.”

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The category has been a source of controversy in recent times. Created in 1987, it was coined “World Music” and later renamed World Music Album. The category highlights ” International non-Western classical music, international non-American and non-British traditional folk music. international cross-cultural music based on the previously mentioned genres as well as international recordings of world beat, world jazz, world pop, and cross-cultural music.”

The new move has been lauded by many African musicians and music stakeholders.

Speaking on the change, Nigerian music executive and singer, Bankulli says: “Global Music provides a more inclusive awards platform to artists from relevant new genres. The term is encompassing of what is happening today and looks to the future for better representation.”

Haitian DJ-producer Michael Brun added, “Global Music is the future of music. As the world continues to become more interconnected, music culture no longer has borders. The fusion of sounds breeds innovation, and global music artists are at the forefront of that movement. I’m happy to see the Recording Academy working to adapt to the changing landscape. And celebrate excellence from around the globe.”

Big winners of the category include Ravi Shankar, Gilberto Gil, and three-time recipient Angélique Kidjo. Nigerian superstar was also nominated for the category in 2019. He however lost the bid to Angélique Kidjo.

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