The Recording Academy, organisers of the Grammy Awards, annually invites a select group of creators, executives, and industry professionals into its membership. Art Alade’s inclusion highlights the Academy’s commitment to diversity of experience and geography, as it expands representation in the decision-making process behind one of the industry’s most prestigious honours.
Reacting to the development in a LinkedIn post, Art Alade described the induction as both an honour and a responsibility. “I’m honored to join the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class—an inspiring global community of creators and professionals who are shaping the future of music. 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,” she wrote.
Art Alade co-founded Livespot360 with her husband, singer and media entrepreneur Darey Art Alade. Since inception, the Lagos-based company has grown into one of Africa’s leading creative and experiential agencies, producing cultural showcases such as the Livespot X Festival and The Real Deal Experience. The firm has worked with top-tier clients including Amazon, Netflix, Meta, Heineken, Multichoice, Disney, NBC Universal, the Gates Foundation, Global Citizen, Pepsi, Prime Video, NBA, Adidas, and Microsoft.
Her recognition comes at a time when Nigeria is consolidating its influence on the global music stage, propelled by Afrobeats and other local genres that have earned Grammy nominations and wins for stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Davido.
The Recording Academy itself has been under pressure to broaden its representation and embrace global music communities more inclusively. By adding executives like Art Alade, it signals a willingness to address concerns around transparency, diversity, and equitable recognition.
Art Alade joins other Nigerians in the 2025 New Member Class, including music critic Oyebanji Akins (O’Fresh), music executive George Beke, gospel singer and philanthropist Nikki Laoye, and business strategist Kolawole Fashola of Temple Group. Their inclusion underscores the growing recognition of Nigeria’s creative ecosystem at the highest levels of the international music industry.