The president of the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards, is set to visit Nairobi from May 26 to May 29 for meetings with President William Ruto and local artists as part of efforts to grow Kenya’s music industry and strengthen its place on the global stage.
Panos A. Panay’s visit is backed by the US Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program, which brings American arts professionals together with international partners to promote cultural diplomacy and collaboration.
During his visit, Panay and President Ruto are expected to discuss talent development, industry infrastructure, and how Kenyan artists can access international markets.
This is part of the Recording Academy’s broader push to expand its presence across Africa and the Middle East.
Beyond State House, Panay will also sit down with senior government officials and music industry leaders to exchange ideas on how to build a stronger and more globally connected music ecosystem in Kenya.
The visit also shines a spotlight on the American Music Mentorship Programme (AMMP), a partnership between the US Department of State and the Recording Academy that was launched in 2024.
The programme connects international music professionals with US-based mentors, focusing on the behind-the-scenes roles that are essential to building thriving music markets.
Kenya is already participating in the programme, with the US Embassy in Nairobi actively supporting the country’s continued involvement.
