Darey Art Alade, Sasha P & Danny Young Join the Recording Academy's 2026 New Member Class

Darey Art Alade, a name that's synonymous with Afrobeats, has been a fixture in the Nigerian music scene for over two decades. I've had the pleasure of following his journey, from his early days as a singer to his current status as a music executive and Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Livespot360. So, when I heard the news that he, along with Sasha P and Danny Young, had been invited to join the Recording Academy's 2026 New Member Class, I knew I had to dive in and learn more.

The Recording Academy's New Member Class is a prestigious group of creatives who are shaping the future of the music industry. And this year's cohort is no exception, with Darey, Sasha, and Danny bringing their unique perspectives and expertise to the table. As the first West Africans to be part of this elite group, they're breaking new ground and paving the way for others to follow. This is a major milestone for the African music industry, and it's evidence of the hard work and dedication of these talented individuals.

Darey, in particular, is thrilled to be part of this community. As he put it, "From making music in the studio to building platforms that celebrate African creativity, I've always believed music has the power to move people, shape culture, and connect the world." This is music to my ears, as it reflects the very essence of what I believe about music and its potential to bring people together. With his background in music and his experience as a music executive, Darey is perfectly positioned to amplify the brilliant narratives coming out of Nigeria and the wider continent.

Danny Young, another pioneer of Afrobeats, is also part of this exciting new chapter. With over twenty years of experience creating, producing, and contributing to the growth of contemporary Nigerian music, he's a true legend in his own right. I'm excited to see how he'll use his platform to shape the future of Afrobeats and take the genre to new heights. As he noted, "I'm honoured and excited to announce that I have joined the Recording Academy's 2026 New Member Class." This is a well-deserved recognition of his hard work and dedication to the music industry.

As I look at this new cohort of creatives, I'm filled with hope and excitement for the future of music. With Darey, Sasha, and Danny at the helm, I know that the Recording Academy is in good hands. They're not just representing themselves, but also the entire African music industry, and I have no doubt that they'll use their platforms to amplify the voices of others and bring more African talent to the global stage. This is a new era for African music, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

The Recording Academy's 2026 New Member Class is evidence of the power of music to bring people together and transcend borders. With Darey Art Alade, Sasha P, and Danny Young at the forefront, I know that the future of music is bright and full of possibilities. And as I always say, "E no easy" (it's not easy), but with these talented individuals leading the charge, I have no doubt that we'll achieve great things.