Nigerian Music Legends Darey Art Alade, Sasha P, and Danny Young Earn Recording Academy Membership

The Recording Academy just got a major injection of Nigerian excellence. Three heavyweight figures from the country’s music scene—Darey Art Alade, Sasha P, and Danny Young—have been invited to join the Academy’s prestigious 2026 New Member Class, a recognition that places them among the voting members who shape the GRAMMYs and influence the global music industry’s direction.

For Darey Art Alade, the multi-award-winning artist and Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Livespot360, this membership represents more than personal achievement—it’s a platform to elevate African creativity on the world stage. “From making music in the studio to building platforms that celebrate African creativity, I’ve always believed music has the power to move people, shape culture, and connect the world,” he reflected following the announcement. The singer sees this as an opportunity to inject African perspectives into conversations that determine the future of music globally, adding, “I’m proud to lend my voice to a community committed to celebrating excellence, supporting creators, and helping shape the future of our industry.”

Joining Darey are two other pioneers who’ve spent over twenty years shaping Nigeria’s sound. Danny Young, the veteran Afrobeats artist and producer who helped define the early Afropop movement, expressed his gratitude for the milestone: “I’m honoured and excited to announce that I have joined the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class. After over two decades of creating, producing, and contributing to the growth of Afrobeats, this is a meaningful milestone in my journey.” Meanwhile, Sasha P—the rap icon and Purple Entertainment CEO widely considered one of the architects of Nigerian hip-hop—brought her characteristic grace to the moment, stating, “Honoured to join the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class. Music has taken me into rooms, onto stages, and into conversations I never imagined. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a global community committed to serving creators and shaping the future of our industry.”

The inclusion of these three Nigerian titans in the Recording Academy’s 2026 class signals the undeniable expansion of African influence within global music governance. As Darey put it perfectly: “Here’s to representing Nigeria, Africa, and every creative who believes their story deserves to be heard.” That’s not just a statement—it’s a promise of more African voices at the table where music history gets written.

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