The decision to bestow an award dedicated to Africa was made by the Grammys because music from the continent is now "prevalent everywhere in the world," Harvey Mason Jr, CEO of the Recording Academy Founder, told the media.
He argued that African music has become "part of pop music," and noted that while the company traditionally honors American music, it tries to include songs from outside the West.
In addition, Ian Brennan, a Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked with several African artists, told the media that the inclusion of the award is "progress," that is "long overdue."
However, he lamented that the company has long ignored the successes of musicians from the continent.
This year's awards will include the Best African Music Performance category for the first time, with Nigerian Afrobeat stars Burna Boy and Davido, South African singer Tyla, Nigeria's Ayra Starr and duo Asake & Olamide nominated.
Prior to the addition of the African artist category, 12 artists from the continent had won Grammys, including South Africa's Miriam Makeba, Benin's Angélique Kidjo, who took home 5 awards, and Nigeria's Wizkid, BurnaBoy and Sikiru Adepoju.