Nigerian producer Tejiri Akpoghene joins #GRAMMYsNextGen programme

The programme, formerly known as #GRAMMYsNextUp, is aimed at engaging the under-40 music community and highlighting leading industry players.

Akpoghene will join over 30 professionals serving as advisors and ambassadors in the fields of leadership, songwriting, engineering and production. He rose to popularity for co-creating multi-platinum hits for artists such as Tems, Oxlade and Walshy Fire. He is also credited as a songwriter on ‘Wait For U’ by Future, Drake and Tems, which is nominated for two awards at the 65th Grammys.

The producer is the founder of DIY, a company established last year to help artists develop and refine their brands and musical styles. Signed to Ultra Music Publishing, Akpoghene plans to release a new EP this year.

As part of the programme, all ambassadors and advisors will attend a power brunch during Grammy Week, allowing them to celebrate, network with their peers in the industry and learn more about Recording Academy membership directly from Kelley Purcell, the Vice President of Membership and Industry Relations.

Ghanaian musician and activist Rocky Dawuni and Beninese singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo have secured nominations at the 2023 Grammys. Other African stars nominated are Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo, South Africa’s Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode, and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

Burna Boy and Kidjo have both been shortlisted in two categories – Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance for Burna Boy and Best Song Written for Visual Media for Kidjo. Tems is also nominated for her collaboration on ‘Wait For U’ with Future and Drake.

Last year, Kidjo won the award for Best Global Music Album, while South African DJ Black Coffee received the Best Dance/Electronic Album award.