Ghanaian drill rapper Yaw Tog believes that his music helped to convince the Recording Academy to add the Ghanaian Drill genre to the Grammy Awards.
The new category, which was announced in June 2023, encompasses a wide range of African genres, including 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 an interview with Cookie T on TV3 New Day, Yaw Tog said that he was “excited and proud” to see Ghanaian Drill included in the Grammy Awards. He also credited other artists, such as the Asakaa boys, Kofi Jana, and Kweku Flick, for helping to popularize the genre.
The inclusion of Ghanaian Drill in the Grammy Awards is a significant milestone for African music. The genre has combined traditional Ghanaian sounds with contemporary hip-hop and trap influences, creating a unique and innovative sound that has resonated with audiences around the world.
Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, said that the new categories were created to “honor and celebrate creators and recordings in these categories while exposing a broader range of music to fans worldwide.”
The inclusion of Ghanaian Drill in the Grammy Awards is a testament to the growing global popularity of African music. It is an opportunity for the world to discover and appreciate the rich musical heritage of Africa.