Renowned sound engineer and musician Appiah Dankwah, Appietus, has offered an insider’s perspective on the Grammy Awards nomination process.

In a conversation with Amansan Krakye on Property FM, he revealed that the prestigious awards aren’t purely about artistic merit but are heavily influenced by connections within the academy.

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“As for the Grammys, it is an academy of peers who are friends and people who know each other, and they sit down and nominate their friends,” Appietus explained.

He emphasized that it’s nearly impossible to get nominated without being inducted into the academy or having someone within its ranks advocate for your work. According to him, this network-based system places a significant barrier for many African artists who lack such connections.

“You can only bring your works when you’re inducted, and two people can recommend your works thereby justifying your impact from your continent.

If you don’t have anybody who will take your work there, you’ll never be nominated,” he stated matter-of-factly. His comments pull back the curtain on what it takes to break into the Grammy’s exclusive circle.

READ ALSO: Can Rocky Dawuni Make History? Ghanaian Reggae Star Nominated for Fourth Grammy

Using Rocky Dawuni, a two-time Grammy nominee, as an example, Appietus highlighted how consistent advocacy has played a role in Dawuni’s recognition.

“Seeing Rocky Dawuni there means someone has been nominating him constantly,” he noted. This acknowledgement underscores the importance of having dedicated individuals within the academy pushing for African representation on the global stage.

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