The Recording Academy is more than the force behind the GRAMMY Awards; it’s the leading society of music professionals.
On stage at Music’s Biggest Night and throughout the year, the Academy is dedicated to highlighting the work of creatives throughout the music industry. Regardless of profession — artist, executive, publicist, crew, producer, engineer or songwriter — the Recording Academy celebrates everyone’s contributions to the musical landscape.
Through its DREAM initiative (Diversity Re-imagined by Engaging All Musicmakers), the Academy emphasizes and recognizes the contributions of the diverse global music community. The DREAM initiative — which includes the Indigenous People’s Network, Gold Music Alliance and Black Music Collective — aims to serve traditionally underrepresented or overlooked groups, genres, and musical ecosystems across the industry. This work is not done in isolation or during “tentpole” months; it’s a daily and longitudinal effort that’s at the foundation of everything the Academy does.
To wit, the Recording Academy is invested in expanding its membership to reflect a diverse and dynamic music industry landscape. While there is always more work to be done, the Academy invited 3,900 people to join its 2024 Member Class; 45 percent of those invitees were women, 57 percent people of color, and 47 percent were under the age of 40.
While all of the above represent a significant step toward inclusivity and representation within the music industry, celebrating the achievements of its membership and affiliates remains incredibly important. In sharing and extolling their successes, GRAMMY.com honors the joy of expression and the fullness of lived experience.
While Black Music Month is coming to a close, learn about six Black music industry professionals who are doing incredible things — both within the Recording Academy and outside of it.
Ruby Amafu
Former Nashville Chapter President, Songwriter & Composer Wing Leadership Councilmember
Ruby Amanfu is a Ghana-born, Nashville-based GRAMMY, Soul Train and BET Award nominated songwriter, recording artist, and producer. Having written and recorded music since her teens, Amanfu has released solo studio albums and her songs have appeared in shows such as “The Morning Show,” “Station 19,” “Little Fires Everywhere,” “Love is Blind,” “Pretty Little Liars,” and in films such as The Secret Life of Bees and The Photograph.
She co-wrote two GRAMMY-nominated Songs Of The Year: “Hard Place” for the artist H.E.R. and “A Beautiful Noise” for Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile. Amanfu was featured on Taj Mahal GRAMMY-winning duo TajMo’s second album, Room on the Porch, co-writing their title track. On Beyoncé’s GRAMMY-winning album, Lemonade, Amanfu created and recorded the operatic vocals that appear on “Don’t Hurt Yourself.” She also appears on Norah Jones’ Pick Me Up off the Floor and on Jack White‘s solo LPs; Amafu performed her collaboration with White, “Love Interruption,” at the 2013 GRAMMYs.
Outside of her vast musical career, Amanfu is a community leader, chef, wife and stepmother.
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
When I was contacted by an artist in Nigeria named Dreyvon. He had heard a previously released song of mine called, “Beautiful, You Are” in an ad, and it inspired him to write a lyrical response. He DMed me on Instagram and asked me if I would allow him to release his version of my song.
After I heard his verses, I not only approved the song’s release, but I made it a full on collaboration. He is a worthy up and coming artist, and all I could think about were the artists ahead of me whom I had met when I was coming up who let me stand beside them so that I could walk through the doors and into the rooms that I was worthy of entering. If I didn’t have those other musicians in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Music is meant to be a gift, not something hoarded. Paying it forward is the embodiment of this craft for me.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
When I was president of the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy, I focused on trying to make others feel seen and heard. I often shared my belief that there’s room on the porch for everyone.
Feeling belonging is not always a given for everyone, even speaking for myself personally. It has always been important for me to encourage connection amongst our creative community. Unfortunately, cliques don’t end when we leave high school! I strive to be someone who celebrates camaraderie over competition, and I always will.
Phylicia Fant
Global Head of Music Industry & Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, L.A. Chapter Vice President, MusicCares Foundation Board of Directors member, BMC Leadership Council member
Phylicia Fant is renowned throughout the entertainment industry as a trusted leader, esteemed executive, and public relations/marketing visionary. But even more importantly, she is a conduit of culture. Fant consistently and strategically connects artists to brands, media, film/television opportunities and philanthropic causes. In her role as Global Head of Music Industry & Culture Collaborations at Amazon Music, she transforms global synergy into commercial opportunities while prioritizing meaningful cultural moments.
Since joining Amazon Music in February 2022, Fant has succeeded in connecting Amazon Music to Culture via culture collaborations, partnerships, and industry events. These successes included HBCU Homecoming sponsorships, GRAMMY roundtables, Beyoncé‘s Club Renaissance merch popup, and talent collaboration with the likes of Lucky Daye, Usher, Jon Batiste, NBA Young Boy, Andra Day, Keke Palmer, and Omar Apollo.
Prior to joining Amazon Music, Fant served as Head of Urban Music at Columbia Records and as Senior Vice President of Media & Strategic Development for Warner Bros. Fant has garnered a variety of honors, including the NAASC NY chapter Rising Star Award, Los Angeles NAASC chapter Sister’s Awards Alumnae Honoree, HBCU Power Award, She is the Music 2025 Honoree, and many others.
Learn more: At GRAMMY House NYC, Women Shape The Future Of Music
Fant’s formidable reputation regularly puts her on industry power lists. The Living Legends Foundation recognized Fant as a “Hero Behind The Culture” for Black Music Month and was honored as an Ambassador of Peace by Creative Community for Peace in 2024.
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
Welcoming the legendary George Clinton to the Amazon Studios. As a legacy artist and GRAMMY nominee, his presence alone was powerful — but what truly stood out was his resilience, creativity, and enduring impact on culture. It was an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do: to honor artistry, amplify iconic voices, and create spaces where music history and innovation can intersect.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
I’m incredibly proud to have led the HBCU Homecoming activation with Big Sean during Amazon Music Live, our livestreamed concert series after Thursday Night Football. Seeing this celebration of HBCU Homecoming — something that meant so much to me personally and helped shape who I am — being live streamed to millions was surreal. It was a celebration of culture, legacy, and excellence, and it showed our dedication to honoring the past while investing in the future.
Are there other Black creators — either in your field or the larger industry — who inspire you?
Black creators represent a wide and brilliant spectrum. From musicians like Pharrell reimagining the Met Gala, to stylists like Luxury Law pushing the envelope and uplifting the fashion community, to visionary filmmakers like Ryan Coogler and his powerful work on Sinners, to Beyoncé and her boundary-breaking Cowboy Carter visuals, each one reflects the depth, creativity, and cultural influence of Black artistry. They remind us that Black creators not only belong at the center of the conversation, but that we continuously push boundaries, redefine excellence, and show the world just how valuable we are.
Shannon Sanders
Executive Director of Creative at BMI, Songwriter, Former Nashville Chapter Trustee
Shannon Sanders serves as the Executive Director of Creative at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in Nashville. In this role, he signs and develops top talent while supporting BMI’s songwriters and publishers. He fosters both emerging and established songwriters through educational programs, networking, and showcase events.
With over 25 years in the music industry, Sanders is a three-time GRAMMY, two-time Emmy, and Dove Award-winning songwriter/producer. He founded and served as Program Director of Nashville’s 102.1 The VILLE, a radio station dedicated to classic soul, R&B, and local artists. He has been co-musical director for India.Arie and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. In 2024, Sanders received the Academy of Country Music’s Lifting Voices Award.
A respected industry advocate, Sanders is active in organizations like the Recording Academy and Leadership Music. He also sits on the boards of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation, the Country Music Association, and the Academy of Country Music and National Museum of African American Music. In 2016, Black Enterprise named him one of its 100 Modern Men of Distinction.
An alumnus of Tennessee State University, Sanders was inducted into its Hall of Fame for Distinguished Alumni.
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of students from my alma mater, Tennessee State University. They were part of the BMI Catalog Cast program, which provides college students with hands-on experience in music publishing and song plugging before they graduate. I felt incredibly proud to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years. I always say I want to be the person I wish I’d had early in my own career: a mentor who could offer guidance and insight. It was deeply rewarding to give those students the information and support that would have served me so well when I was in their shoes.
Are there other Black creators — either in your field or the larger industry — who inspire you?
I am tremendously inspired by the career and legacy of Quincy Jones. He was both an incredible creative force and a phenomenal executive who seamlessly integrated creativity into business — and business into creativity — always prioritizing what mattered most: the art and the people who make it.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album) by the Fisk Jubilee Singers, which won the GRAMMY for Best Roots Gospel Album (2021 GRAMMYs). Producing this album allowed me to honor and preserve Fisk’s rich musical heritage while pushing creative boundaries. It perfectly aligned with my commitment to celebrating culture and elevating underrepresented voices. It was especially meaningful to make history by helping Fisk become the first HBCU to win a GRAMMY Award.
Question ATL
Rapper/producer, Cofounder of RAMP’D, Atlanta Chapter Member
QuestionATL is a blind rap artist and producer. He is self-taught on several instruments, began freestyling at age 5 and making beats at 11. He’s a 20-time beat battle champion and has produced for several artists. QuestionATL recently released his debut project, The Dream, and continues to collaborate with fellow artists and producers.
QuestionATL releases music in hip-hop subgenres such as drill and cloud rap, as well as other genres like hyper-pop. He is a member of the Recording Academy Atlanta Chapter. QuestionATL is a founding member of the musical professionals coalition RAMP’D (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities) and is a member of the nonprofit Soulfood Cypher, which teaches youth communication through freestyle rap. He leads an international collective of other blind artists and producers called Blind and Famous, who have released several projects together on their YouTube channel. QuestionATL has also recently found a niche in freestyling for corporate and private events.
Learn more: Meet Question, A Rapper/Producer Who Doesn’t Want To Be Boxed In By Blindness
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
I very recently got to travel and work with a respected producer of Lil’ Uzi Vert, Bankroll Fresh, and other prominent artists in my scene and was able to do this off of my own merit and funding. As a blind, Black man it’s very invigorating to be recognized in such an official way.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
I’m honored to have cultivated and led a collective of blind artists and producers, Blind and Famous, that continuously innovate the sound of trap music. Being in this position is empowering to me and future generations of blind musicians by giving us a vehicle to express our talent and ability to compete and contribute meaningfully.
Are there other Black creators — either in your field or the larger industry —– who inspire you?
My whole voice and perspective is built on the shoulders of Black culture and creativity so it’s hard to narrow down the list of who inspires me. Tupac has always been my favorite rapper and entertainer because of his success and charisma. I aspire to be the modern day Quincy Jones of my generation. Building with other Black disabled artists like Lachi has inspired me to realize my dreams in a much more major sense.
Matt B
Singer/Songwriter & Producer; L.A. Chapter Member
GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter and producer Matt B was born and raised in Chicago, and has dedicated his life and career to bridging the gap between the United States and Africa. He released his Japanese debut album LOVE & WAR in 2014, which topped the Japan iTunes R&B Charts. His sophomore album, DIVE, released in 2016, also hit No. 1 on the Japan iTunes R&B Charts. After reaching critical acclaim in Japan, Matt’s imprint continued to spread overseas. His single “Color Blind” went viral in China.
Matt B signed with Priority Records in 2017; his debut U.S. album, EDEN, ranked No. 3 on the U.S. iTunes R&B Albums Chart and debuted in the Top 40 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart. His 2022 single “Gimme Love” was nominated at the 2023 GRAMMYs — Uganda and East Africa’s very first nomination. Matt B’s ALKEBULAN II earned his first golden gramophone in the Best Global Music Album Category at the 2025 GRAMMYs. This historic win also marked the first GRAMMY to be won by the world renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the first GRAMMY win for all of East Africa, specifically Uganda.
As an active Voting Member of the Recording Academy’s Los Angeles Chapter, Matt has also dedicated his time to advocating to protect the rights of music creators. Each year, he meets with members of Congress to discuss current laws and how they are impacting the music community. Matt aims to continue utilizing his growing influence to break through glass ceilings and inspire positive change across the globe.
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
Winning my very first GRAMMY Award has been one of the most fulfilling and impactful moments in my career thus far. I created this album as a way to honor my African heritage, connect Africans with African Americans, and effectively bridge the gap between Africa and the United States.
My hope was to create a body of work that would spark a curiosity in listeners that would lead them to research their own ancestry, learn more about Africa, and eventually visit the Motherland. I brought in creatives from all walks of life and at any stage of their careers to partake in bringing this vision to life, many of whom are upcoming artists, songwriters, and producers from Africa. It was incredible to see so many people of different backgrounds come together to honor Africa and our ancestors in such a beautiful way. So when the album was called as the winner of music’s highest honor…words truly cannot express how I felt in that moment.
This GRAMMY win serves as an eternal reminder that it is deeper than the recognition. It is about impact. It is about positively influencing the culture in the right direction. It is about giving back and shining a light on our people and their stories. I am honored to carry this torch, and I am excited to keep on bulldozing a path for independent artists to follow their dreams and do what they are passionate about. No dream is too big.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
Over the last six years, I have been on a journey of self discovery and reconnection with the ancestors. I have shifted my focus as an artist towards creating music that impacts our world in a positive way and reflects the legacy that I want to leave for my family. During this shift, I found myself drawn to the energy that lies in Afrobeats, Amapiano, and other styles of traditional African music.
ALKEBULAN translates to “mother of mankind” or “garden of eden”; it is what is believed to be the ancient, Indigenous name for Africa prior to its colonization centuries ago. Naming the series ALKEBULAN is my own small way of honoring our history and giving back the name that was taken from us. These albums are a celebration of their resilience, sacrifices, and love that is deeply rooted throughout history, and I want to always do my part as an artist to make sure that they are honored and never forgotten.
Are there other Black creators – either in your field or the larger industry – who inspire you?
As a native to the Southside of Chicago, I have to of course mention the maestro himself, Quincy Jones. I also respect the incomparable Berry Gordy, an absolute force of a producer, executive, and creative. His work with pioneering Motown profoundly altered the landscape of R&B, soul, and pop music. The work of Quincy and Berry shattered glass ceilings and broke down doors for so many of us to be successful. Instead of complaining about not having a seat at the table, they made their own tables and invited all of our people to join the party. I have an enormous amount of respect for them and so many more of our greats: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye. I hope to have the opportunity to create music that withstands the test of time like so many of these legends.
Kenyon Dixon
Recording Artist, L.A. Chapter Member
Three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Kenyon Dixon continues to champion modern R&B, offering a sound that is both alive and thriving. The emerging songwriter has worked with a range of artists — from R&B legends Mary J. Blige, Tyrese and Ginuwine to pop superstar Justin Timerblake — and has still managed to reserve some ink for his own catalog of timeless music. Having toured as a supporting vocalist for Nick Jonas, Jill Scott, Kelly Rowland, Kirkland and others, the proud Los Angeles native has smoothly transitioned to center stage.
Following the release of his 2021 LP Expectations, which garnered a tremendous amount of support from the industry elite including Ledisi (who Dixon supported on her WILDCARD tour), he later collaborated with PJ Morton & BJ The Chicago Kid to pay homage to Sam Cooke on a remake of his classic “Bring It On Home To Me.” The collaborative effort landed the trio (accompanied by guitarist Charlie Bereal) a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 2022 GRAMMYs. In addition, his 2023 single “Lucky” earned Kenyon his first GRAMMY nomination as a solo artist, for Best Traditional R&B Performance. At the 2025 GRAMMYs, Dixon received his second solo nomination in the Best Traditional R&B category for the lead single “Can I Have This Groove,” from his project The R&B You Love: Soul of the ’70s
Dixon has continued to shine as a trusted collaborator. He penned records for Justin Timberlake (“Keep Going Up”); earned an arrangement and vocal production credit for Coco Jones‘ “ICU (remix),” and took on a leadership role as the music director for Revolt TV’s “The Link Up II.” His latest release, a collaboration Terrace Martin, is out now. With his smooth and sultry vocals, vulnerable lyrics and undeniable records, Dixon delivers standoutR&B with every release
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
A recent moment that reminded me why I do this was somebody coming up to me and telling me how my music got them through one of the hardest times in their life. And honestly, moments like that have happened often but they never stop hitting. It’s a reminder of how powerful music really is. To know that something I created helped somebody heal or became part of their most meaningful memories… that’s what it’s all about for me.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
One of the things I’ve created that really reflects my values is an initiative called Rise & Relief. After the recent California wildfires, a few friends and I came together to raise funds and collect donations for families who lost everything. We used our creativity and community to provide some real support and healing.
That’s what I stand for; giving back and using what I’ve been given to help others. I’ve always believed that what you sow into the world comes back, and that same belief shows up in my music. Purpose is everything to me, and this was one of those moments where it all aligned
Are there other Black creators — either in your field or the larger industry — who inspire you?
I’m inspired in some way by everyone and everything I encounter but as a Black creator, especially in the independent artistry space, there’s something powerful about seeing others who look like me doing this work at a high level. I’m constantly inspired by friends like Jade Novah, Kevin Ross, and Eric Bellinger (to name a few), not just for their consistency and artistry, but for how they move with purpose. They’re all parents too, which adds another layer to the way we have to navigate this industry. That kind of dedication hits different.
And of course, I’m forever inspired by the legends — Marvin, Anita, Al, Luther, Aretha… the ones who taught us what soul really is. As Black artists, we’ve always shaped the sound, the feeling, the standard of what art is. That’s not lost on me. It’s a legacy I carry with pride, and one I’m honored to build on in my own way.
Terri Lyne Carrington
Recording Artist, Producer, Artistic Director, New York Chapter Board Governor, Formerly on the Academy’s Board of Trustees
Terri Lyne Carrington is a NEA Jazz Master, Doris Duke Artist, and four-time GRAMMY-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator. She serves as founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. She has performed on more than 100 recordings, and has toured and recorded with Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz, Esperanza Spalding, and many others. Carrington holds honorary doctorates from York University, Manhattan School of Music and Berklee College of Music. She has served on the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors (NY Chapter) for the Recording Academy.
Learn more: Terri Lyne Carrington Is Making Strides For Inclusion And Mentorship In Jazz. And You Can Hear All Of Them In Her Sound.
This year she released the critically acclaimed album We Insist 2025!, a poignant re-imagining of Max Roach‘s Freedom Now Suite, which notably featured Abbey Lincoln. The highly celebrated album reflects upon the past, while challenging the present. It both honors Roach’s original masterpiece and furthers Carrington’s passion for using jazz as a tool for social activism.
What’s a recent moment in your work that made you feel proud or reminded you why you do this work?
I’d say when students or former students let me know how much I’ve touched their lives. I try to be a positive role model and mentor to many young musicians, and it makes my heart warm when they express the influence it has on them. And it gives me extra encouragement to continue working with young people.
Recently I played a show in Poland where I felt like it wasn’t my best playing and there was a young American drummer there named Michael Ode who let me know how much I touched him. He was so respectful and sincere and positive; it really made me understand the depth of intergenerational connections and why we teach, and the value of passing on what we know to others. There are some beautiful young people out there that really get it, who are not just in it for themselves or the fame and fortune of it all — as that may never come — but for art and connecting to the humanity in others.
What have you created or led that you feel most reflects your values or perspective?
I try to be authentic with most everything I do these days. It’s taken some time coming to the point of having the courage to believe fully in myself, stand by my convictions and do what I know feels authentic to my life. It’s been challenging over the decades to know myself fully because I’ve had to decipher what is real — from my core — and when assimilation is playing a role.
I started the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice when the reality hit me that I needed to make space for other women that are dealing with the same thing. Then the journey began of understanding the intersection of my identities and the intersections in social justice causes. My artistry became so much more informed. My latest recording We Insist 2025!, co-led with Christie Dashiell, strongly reflects my values. Though it reimagines a classic recording from 65 years ago, I was able to modernize it in a way that I’m proud of, in a way that allows today’s cultural, social and political conversations to emerge as well. So it feels like it represents where I am at this moment. I am also nearly done with the second edition of Social Science, a band that I put together that deals with social justice issues, and that music feels authentic and important at this juncture of where we are finding ourselves in America.
Are there other Black creators – either in your field or the larger industry – who inspire you?
Many, for varying reasons. I recently revisited my love for Joan Armatrading. She has always been a big inspiration for me, as a songwriter. Composing and songwriting are big parts of who I am artistically, so my inspiration tends not to be around drummers but people that I find inspiring in other areas. Composers like Henry Threadgil and Sylvie Courvoisier are inspiring.
I find inspiration in young artists like Willow Smith. She’s just 24 and is developing a nice sound, different and original. I’m excited to see/hear how she continues. Cecile McLorin Salvant is always inspiring. And of course my sister Esperanza Spalding as well. Kassa Overall is doing some great things and he’s been pretty prolific. People that work hard and keep expanding and transforming themselves are who I try to keep on my radar. And I haven’t even mentioned the many Black feminists scholars and writers and poets that inspire me greatly!
