Canadian singer, The Weeknd who was snubbed when the 2021 Grammys nominations were announced has vowed to boycott the award going forward.
He disclosed this in a statement released to The New York Times.
“Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys.” the singer said.
The Weeknd joins a growing list of black stars, like Drake, Kanye West and Frank Ocean who have publicly rebuked the Grammys for racial bias.
Reacting to the singer’s statement, Harvey Mason Jr., a producer and songwriter who is the academy’s interim chief executive, said that the organisation is dedicated to improving itself.
“We’re all disappointed when anyone is upset,” Mason said.
“But I will say that we are constantly evolving. And this year, as in past years, we are going to take a hard look at how to improve our awards process, including the nomination review committees.
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“As part of its efforts to change, the academy has invited thousands of new members, hired a diversity officer and ‘brought more women and people of color into its committees and leadership.’ “The changes have been transformative.”
Coming to the singer’s defense, Chris Anokute, a music executive, had said the singer “clearly made the album of the year,” at least as far as popularity goes.
“If his peers didn’t vote for him, that’s a shame — if that’s the truth,” Anokute said. “We don’t really believe that’s the truth; there’s just no way. But we really don’t know.”
For years, The Grammy awards has been facing a number of accusations including bias against women and Black artistes, and complaints over an opaque voting system that critics say is unfair and not realistic.