17 Dec 2024

Elegant songstress Mpho Sebina continues to make history as she has become the first musician from Botswana to join the prestigious American Recording Academy as a voting member, in addition to being invited to attend the 2025 Grammy Awards ceremony.

Popular for her avant-garde artistic blend of soul, jazz and Afro-fusion beats laced with her quality Setswana vocal delivery, Sebina has now become even more of a flag bearer as she enters a hitherto unchartered terrain for local music.

Sebina’s management has revealed that she had been extended a special invitation by her peers in the music industry to join the Recording Academy as part of the new member class of 2024, the first Botswana musician to receive such an invite.

Formally established in 1957 in Los Angeles, California, United States of America, the Recording Academy is a non-profit academic society of music professionals, including musicians, songwriters, producers and recording engineers.

It is widely known for its prestigious Grammy Awards, which the Recording Academy founded in 1959 and presents annually to recognise musical achievement.

Recording Academy voting members determine the nominees and winners of the Grammy Awards and can submit music for Grammy nomination consideration, on condition that such music is commercially available in the United States. 

They also participate in member-only initiatives and can engage in music advocacy, education and philanthropy.

Sebina, who has gained continental wide acclaim for her music that blends musical styles and cultural expressions, had expressed a sentiment of being honoured by the invite.

“It’s an incredible honour to be invited to join the Recording Academy as a voting member. I’m excited to contribute to a community of creators who have shaped the industry, and to advocate for the significance of Setswana and African music globally,” she said.

“The opportunity to serve alongside my peers and elevate the voices of fellow artists, particularly from African and Botswana is a responsibility I hold in high regard,” she added.

The exquisite songstress has also been formally invited to attend the 67th Annual Grammy Awards that have been slated for February 2 2025 in Los Angeles. Ends