African music is on fire—like, hot-out-of-the-pan chips mayai (or zege, as the streets call it) kind of fire. Yet, when the 67th Grammy nominations dropped, the absence of TitoM and Diamond Platnumz, for example, was like discovering your favourite roadside chips mayai joint wasn’t on the “best restaurants” list. Tasty? Absolutely. Acknowledged? Not today.
Diamond’s Komasava and TitoM and Yupee’s Tshwala Bam were global sensations. But when it came to Grammy love, it seems someone forgot to invite the whole of Africa to the table this time around.
Sure, the Grammys gave us the shiny new Best African Music Performance category—like handing over a plastic fork while the others get silverware. It’s progress, but let’s hold off on the celebratory soda.
This year, Chris Brown’s Sensational landed a spot in the category, sparking mixed reactions. While it features Afro-inspired vibes, it raises the question: are we honouring African artistry or just borrowing the sound?
The issue? The Grammys still believe global success needs a Western accent. Forget the millions of streams on platforms like Boomplay and Audiomack; if it’s not viral on TikTok U.S. or playing at Coachella, it might as well not exist.
It’s like someone saying they “adore African culture” but only knowing two words: Hakuna Matata.
And honestly, what else does an African artiste have to do to get noticed? Diamond Platnumz has been running on turbo mode—world tours, bilingual hits, and collaborations spanning continents. TitoM and Yupee’s Tshwala Bam had clubs on lockdown across the continent and beyond.
Here’s the thing: African music doesn’t need validation to shine. It’s already redefining global charts, filling stadiums, and inspiring trends. But it would be nice if the Grammys stopped acting like they discovered African music yesterday.
Until then, we’ll keep vibing, munching on zege, and watching as Africa continues its global takeover—Grammys or not.
What do you think? Should we send the Grammys a sizzling plate of chips mayai with a side of hits, or wait for them to catch up on their own time?
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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