Naomi Campbell is not only a supermodel and a fashion icon, she is fast becoming a cultural innovator and great ambassador of Africa. Ever since the debut of her career and stardom at the age of 15, the supermodel hasn’t stopped rising. She has since then, become a role model to young models, actresses and black people all over the world.
She took to her Instagram to congratulate legendary Beninese singer, Angelique Kidjo on her Grammy win and Nigeria’s Burna Boy on his nomination. She then used the opportunity to give the Recording Academy a much needed schooling on Afro Beats and we are here for it.
Naomi Campbell Writes to The Recording Academy :
“There is something that brings joy, strength and happiness to myself, and to so many people that hear it, and it is called Afrobeats. Afrobeats is a musical genre played on mainstream and prime time radio not only across the continent of Africa, but across the world…” she wrote.
“Recently, the genre was categorized into your ‘World Music’ category at the 2020 Grammy’s. This misrepresentation diminishes an entire genre in which such a high standard of talent has emerged; a genre that has been a force of hope and positivism for many, and a vehicle for artistry on the continent of Africa.
Please take the next 363 days to reassess and reflect on your perspective of ‘World Music.’ Did the world get to vote for this award, or was it only the people in the United States a part of The Recording Academy? What will this neglectful categorization of music mean to individual cultures? Cultures who contribute their blood, sweat and tears, and every level of their creativity and work ethic into making music for YOU and for all of us”
And then she delivered the killer shot, “Please get up to speed on the state of all popular music today, and include Afro beats Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and all the subcategories that this genre so deserves – just as any other respected and recognized musical genre.”
As a true cultural innovator, she reminded the Recording Academy “This is bigger than you, so open your eyes, ears and minds and treat us right and with the respect we deserve”.
In recent years, Naomi Campbell has been a huge supporter of Africa and Africans. She has been supporting stars such as Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido and more. We look forward to the reply of the academy if there’s going to be any. Tell us in the comments what you think of Naomi Campbell’s Letter?