African music executive and social entrepreneur Eddie Hatitye has reached another major career milestone after being invited to join the Recording Academy’s Class of 2026 as a Professional Member, recognising nearly two decades of contributions to the growth of Africa’s music industry.
The Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammy Awards, is one of the world’s leading music institutions, bringing together artists, producers, songwriters, engineers, executives and other music professionals committed to advancing the recording arts. Hatitye now joins this global network of industry leaders, reflecting the increasing recognition of African professionals on the international music stage.
Hatitye has built an extensive career spanning music industry development, cultural policy, entrepreneurship, research, investment and international collaboration. His work has focused on strengthening Africa’s creative economy by creating opportunities for artists, music businesses and cultural organisations across the continent.
Among his most significant achievements is leading the growth of the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF), one of Africa’s foremost music development organisations. During his tenure, the Foundation launched and expanded landmark initiatives including the African Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES), South Africa’s creative employment programme NEFCISA, the Gender@Work initiative, the Sound Connects Fund, and numerous artist mobility, research and capacity-building programmes that have supported thousands of music professionals.
His influence extends beyond the Foundation. In 2025, Hatitye was appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as an international expert for its Creative Industries Forum in the Caribbean. He has also worked as a senior consultant for the World Bank Group, contributing to the CREATIFI programme in Mozambique and Senegal to strengthen the competitiveness of the creative sector.
Hatitye is also the founder of InterArts Funding, an agency that supports African social enterprises, creative businesses and non-profit organisations through fundraising, strategic advisory services and organisational development. Alongside his executive work, he remains active as a record producer under the Epic Minds production imprint, collaborating with artists including Camidoh, Skales, S’Villa, Trigmatic and Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor.
“It is an honour to join the Recording Academy,” Hatitye said, adding that the recognition reflects not only his own journey but also the many artists, organisations and partners he has worked with over the years. He said he looks forward to contributing to global conversations while continuing to advocate for greater recognition and opportunities for African creators.
His appointment comes at a time when African music is enjoying unprecedented international success, with the continent’s artists, producers and executives playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the future of the global music industry.
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