Angélique Kidjo says the Grammys ‘need diversity’

African music star Angélique Kidjo says the Grammy Awards “need diversity [and] gender equality” in order to survive.

“The music industry is dominated by men, so we have to think about the whole infrastructure,” says the star, who is a trustee for the awards.

The ceremony has been criticised for sidelining hip-hop in particular. No rap album has won album of the year since Outkast’s Speakerboxxx in 2004.

“We are working on it,” Kidjo told the BBC. “We are working on it.”

Some of the world’s most successful artistes, including Drake and The Weeknd, are currently boycotting the 65-year-old organisation, protesting that their music is relegated to genre categories like rap and R&B and, in some cases, not recognised at all.

“Forget awards shows,” said The Weeknd in 2021, after his multi-platinum album After Hours was snubbed. “I personally don’t care anymore. I have three Grammys, which mean nothing to me now, obviously.”

Kidjo says the Recording Academy is trying to repair those relationships under the watch of CEO Harvey Mason, Jr.

He stepped in three years ago, after his predecessor was fired while making claims the voting process was “rigged”.

“He came in a moment [that was] very difficult and he is embracing this challenge head on,” says Kidjo.

“He’s open for discussion, he’s open for proposals. People have to reach out to Harvey, and we have to start this conversation and help him get there.”

Despite his guidance, the Grammys have made some questionable decisions in the last few years.

Eyebrows were raised when John Batiste beat Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift and the combined talents of Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to win album of the year in 2022; while this year’s ceremony saw Harry Styles pick up the same award over Beyoncé’s celebrated disco opus Renaissance.

“I think what is important for us to understand when it comes to Recording Academy is that we are musicians, we are producers and we have a different way, perhaps, of listening to music than the public,” says Kidjo.

“That’s what makes the Grammy Awards so important. We are honoured by our peers. So if all of us come together and decide that’s what it is, then that’s what it is.”

She added that she would “absolutely” jump at the chance to make a record with Styles.

“Why not? I mean, hey, he sings beautifully, so I’m open.”

Prestigious prize

Kidjo was speaking to the BBC as she was named a recipient of Sweden’s prestigious Polar Music Prize, sometimes dubbed “the Nobel Prize of music”.

Founded in 1989 by late Abba manager and lyricist Stig Andersson, it recognises exceptional musical achievements and comes with a cash prize of 600,000 kronor (£47,000).

This year’s laureates also include Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and classical composer Arvo Pärt.

All three will be honoured in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family at a ceremony and banquet on May 23 at Stockholm’s Grand Hotel.