Kenyan musicians Blinky Bill and Karun have officially joined the Recording Academy’s 2025 Member Class.
The two join fellow Kenyan and Whip Music founder and CEO Melissa Kariuki, who joined the 2025 rota earlier this month.
At the time, Ms Kariuki said she was thrilled for the opportunity, calling it one of “life’s best gifts”.
“Through Whip, I have been lucky enough to work with artists all around the world and run hundreds of campaigns to get their music heard,” Melissa said. “Today, I’m celebrating a milestone that university me couldn’t have imagined – being invited to join the Recording Academy. I think some of life’s best gifts are discovered when you’re already on the journey. This is one of those gifts.”
Onboarding process concluded on July 31
The three are part of nearly 3,600 new members invited to join the academy “to contribute, build community, and help shape the future of music and culture.”
Members must formally accept their invitations through the Online Entry Process (OEP) before they can become part of the 2025 class. The OEP concluded on July 31.
Speaking about the diverse new class of members, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr said it was an opportunity to cultivate new opportunities, mentor new artists and “shape the future of music.”
“For today’s music creators, Grammy membership opens up an incredible set of opportunities,” said Harvey Mason Jr. “Not only do voting members get the chance to honor their peers with GRAMMY nominations and awards, Academy members get access to hands-on experience, skill development to advance their careers, exposure to peers and mentors in the music industry and be part of an organization shaping the future of music.”
Karun and Blinky Bill
Announcing the news, independent alternative artist Karun Mungai, known mononymously as Karun, said it was an honour and was happy to have a “voice in the Grammy.”
“It’s really such an honour to be able to make an impact in spaces like this,” Karun said. “As a member, I now have a voice in the GRAMMY Awards process and more (sic). I’m excited to bring our perspective into spaces like this, where they’re often missing. I’m excited to do this as a Kenyan, an African, and as an independent, alternative artist.”
She further expressed her joy at being able to mould the future of music.
“And I now have the chance to also advocate for our industry and support even more peers. Beyond the awards, this role is about mentorship, advocacy, and helping shape the future of music. I don’t take that lightly,” she concluded.
Also announcing his membership, award-winning artist Bill Sellanga, known musically as Blinky Bill, applauded the new membership’s diversity.
“Truly honoured 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,” he said. “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.”
