This year is proving to be another successful one for soca superstar Nailah Blackman; she has been invited to become a member of the Recording Academy’s ‘Class of 2020’. The Recording Academy, which organises the annual Grammy Awards, announced that Blackman was one of the 2,300 musicians, singers, producers and engineers from across the world who are being invited into the organisation this year.
Once Blackman is a member, she will be eligible to vote for in next year’s Grammy awards, scheduled for January 31, 2021, and to submit her work for consideration. Another amongst the 2020 invitees is rapper and Grammy winner Lil Nas X.
The 2020 Class is one of the Recording Academy’s most diverse, made up as it is of 48 percent male and 51% female invitees. Fifty-one percent are under the age of 39.
In a statement on the academy’s website, Chairman and Interim President/CEO Harvey Mason Jr said. “The diverse talents of our music people have never been more relevant and important. We’re constantly reminded of the powerful role music can play in bringing us together, and we’re so excited for our new members to join us on this journey as we strive to give back to music as much as it gives to us.”
Blackman, granddaughter of soca creator Ras Shorty I, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the invitation on social media. In an Instagram post, the Sweet And Loco singer stated, “I’m honoured to have an opportunity to celebrate, represent, and give back to the music and its creators. Gonna represent for the Caribbean!!!”
