The Grammys add new categories, including Pop Dance Recording and African Music Performance

LOS ANGELES (AP) — More change is afoot at the Grammys. The Recording Academy announced, Tuesday, that it will add three new categories to the awards show in 2024: Best Dance-Pop Recording, Best African Music Performance, and Best Alternative Jazz Album.

In addition, two existing categories have been moved to the public domain, meaning all Grammy voters can participate in choosing the winners: Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, Songwriter of the Year, and Non-Classical, the latter of which was introduced for the first time this year..

Previously, the general categories consisted only of the “Big Four” awards: Best New Artist, plus Album, Record, and Song of the Year. Grammy voters are eligible to vote in general categories, as well as up to ten categories across three genre areas – and are directed to vote only their area of ​​expertise. The changes to these two categories reflect the evolving music industry, as songwriters and producers are increasingly celebrated for their contributions.

The new category for Best African Music Performance will highlight “regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions,” according to a press release from the Recording Academy, including genres such as “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.”

Prior to the addition, these artists were competing in the Best World Music Performance category, It was first introduced in 2022 As part of the global music business.

Prior to 2020, this field was previously referred to as “world music”. age amorous name A change to reduce “connotations of colonialism,” according to a press release.

The Best Dance-Pop Record category is defined by “rhythmic dance music that follows a pop arrangement” and recordings that “feature strong percussive beats and significant electronic instrumentation with an emphasis on vocal performance, melody, and hooks.” Dance remixes do not apply.

Finally, the Best Alternative Jazz Albums category will highlight alternative jazz albums that blend genre, hybridize jazz and other musical styles including R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improv, Experimental, and Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance Music, and/or Spoken Word.”

“The Recording Academy is proud to announce these recent category changes to our award process. These changes reflect our commitment to actively listening to and responding to feedback from our music community, accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and remain in line with the ever-evolving music landscape,” President Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. he said in a statement.

“By introducing these three new categories,” he said, “we are able to recognize and appreciate a broader range of artists.” “We are excited to honor and celebrate the creators and recordings in these categories, while offering fans a wide range of music around the world.”