Eric Wainaina to vote at Grammys after joining Recording Academy’s 2025 class
Kenyan music legend Eric Wainaina has officially joined the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class. A milestone that gives him a direct role in shaping the future of music both in Africa and on the global stage.
The Academy, best known for organising the annual Grammy Awards, welcomes a new cohort of creatives each year, granting them the power to participate in the nomination and voting process while offering unmatched networking and professional development opportunities.
Announcing the news on his social media page, Wainaina wrote, “Hello Earthlings, I’m honoured to join the @RecordingAcademy’s 2025 New Member Class, an inspiring global community of creators and professionals who are shaping the future of music.”
He added, “As a member, I now have a voice in the GRAMMY Awards process and a platform to advocate for our industry, support my peers, and grow in my own journey. What makes the Academy strong is its diversity of genres, experiences, and voices. I’m excited to contribute my perspective and help champion musical excellence around the world. In other words, put some respect on my name.”
With his membership, Wainaina now gains the ability to vote in the Grammy Awards process, helping decide who gets nominated and who takes home the coveted trophies.
It’s not just a ceremonial honour it’s a platform for meaningful advocacy, enabling him to push for issues that matter to the music industry, support fellow artists, and continue his personal artistic growth.
Known for blending Kenyan rhythms with contemporary global sounds, Wainaina’s career is a diversity the Academy seeks to strengthen.
His voice and perspective will contribute to the representation of African artistry at one of the highest levels of decision-making in global music.
The “New Member Class” is part of the Academy’s ongoing push for inclusivity.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, in 2025, nearly 3,600 music creators and professionals worldwide were invited to join. Among them, 49% are women, 56% are people of colour, and 60% are under the age of 40, figures that reflect the Academy’s commitment to diverse voices across genres, cultures, and artistic experiences.
Membership goes beyond the awards. The Recording Academy also empowers members to advocate for artists’ rights, support wellness initiatives, participate in the GRAMMY Museum’s educational programs, and contribute to MusiCares, which provides essential aid to musicians in need.
For Eric Wainaina, this is more than a personal achievement it’s another opportunity to champion African music on the global stage while continuing to inspire the next generation of artistes.