LOS ANGELES – Extra change is afoot on the Grammys. The Recording Academy introduced Tuesday that three new classes shall be added to the awards present in 2024: greatest pop dance recording, greatest African music efficiency, and greatest different jazz album.
As well as, two present classes have been moved to the final subject, which implies that all Grammy voters can take part in deciding on the winners: producer of the yr, non-classical, and songwriter of the yr, non-classical, the latter of which was first launched this yr.
Beforehand, the final classes have been made up solely of the “Big Four” awards: greatest new artist, in addition to album, file, and music of the yr. Grammy voters are eligible to vote basically classes, in addition to as much as ten classes throughout three style fields — and are instructed solely to vote of their space of experience. The modifications to these two classes mirror an evolving music trade, the place songwriters and producers have develop into more and more celebrated for his or her contributions.
The brand new greatest African music efficiency class will spotlight “regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions,” in accordance with a Recording Academy press launch, together with genres like “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.”
One of the best pop dance recording class is outlined by “up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement” and recordings that “feature strong rhythmic beats and significant electronic-based instruments with an emphasis on the vocal performance, melody and hooks.” Dance remixes don’t apply.
And finally, the best alternative jazz album category will spotlight alternative jazz albums that blend genre, hybridizing jazz and other musical styles including “R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improvisation, Experimental, Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance music, and/or Spoken Word.”
“The Recording Academy is proud to announce these latest Category changes to our Awards process. These changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community, accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement.
“By introducing these three new Categories, we are able to acknowledge and appreciate a broader array of artists,” he said. “We are excited to honor and celebrate the creators and recordings in these Categories, while also exposing a wider range of music to fans worldwide.”
