Ghanaian contemporary female musician, Noella Wiyaala known popularly by her stage name Wiyaala has officially joined the Recording Academy/GRAMMYs 2022 membership class.
The celebrated Griot was among over 2000 new members who received invitations on June 28, 2022, to the academy’s 2022 class.
The invitations reflect the invitees’ significant contributions to music, as well as a passion to influence progressive changes within the music industry.
The Recording Academy President and CEO Harvey Mason Jr. On Friday, September 9, 2022, welcomed the classical singer and songwriter together with her fellow new members to the board during an annual address.
According to sources, 47% of this year’s entrants are under the age of 40, 32% are women, and 44% are people of color. New members had the option of not disclosing any demographic information, with 16% declining to share their gender, 13% declining to share their age, and 24% declining to self-report their ethnicity.
“We now actively recruit prospective members and we extend invitations to people who will help us have a more diverse, engaged, and relevant membership base,” Mason said during the session. “We strive for diversity not merely to give certain groups of people or musical genres space at the table [that has been] historically denied them—though that’s part of our motivation. The truth is whenever you have diverse inputs into a decision-making process, you tend to arrive at better outcomes.”
“After years of listening, learning, and putting in the work, we’re beginning to see results of our efforts to diversify the Academy’s membership come to life,” Mason said in a statement shared with Pitchfork. “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization, powering everything we do from the inside out. When we have diverse people representing all corners of the industry contributing unique perspectives, progress is achieved at a rapid pace. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to work alongside our new and existing members to build on the Academy’s commitment to effecting real, meaningful change.”
What Wiyaala’s membership means to the Ghana Industry;
The who-will-win-a-Grammy conversation has dominated the Ghanaian music space for years. And it’s no surprise that news of Wiyaala’s invitation to join the Recording Academy is making the airwaves.
Wiyaala is among the over 27,000 music professionals to join the 2022 class.
Noella Wiyaala, The Lioness, an indigen of the Upper West region in Ghana. The Afro-pop songwriter/singer
sings her native language, Sissala and Waala dialects. She also has songs written and sung in English, often combining all three languages within her songs.
Wiyaala has severally international awards under her belt, including Video of the Year 2015 with “Africa” at All Africa Awards (AFRIMA) and 4syte Video Awards.
The Recording Academy is a not-for-profit representing music makers and professionals. Our membership focuses on service, advocacy and recognition of the art and craft of music.
How do you become a member of the Recording Academy?
A new member submission includes two strong recommendations from music industry peers and a complete profile.
New member submissions are considered by the Recording Academy’s Peer Review Panel each spring.
The Recording Academy approves membership at its sole discretion based on its assessment of the submission.
As a voting member, Wiyaala forms part of the body to determine GRAMMY® winners.