Recording Academy expands recognition for global music genres two years after introducing Best African Music Performance.
The Recording Academy has announced the introduction of five new categories for the 2027 Grammy Awards, broadening recognition for diverse musical genres and traditions worldwide.
The new categories are Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance, Best Latin Song, Best Asian Pop Music Performance, Best R&B Collaboration or Duo/Group Performance, and Best Traditional Folk Album.
The expansion comes two years after the Grammys introduced the Best African Music Performance category, which was first awarded in 2024 to South African singer Tyla for her hit song Water.
Nigerian star Tems won the category in 2025 with Love Me JeJe, while Tyla reclaimed the award in 2026 with PUSH 2 START, becoming the first artist to win the category twice.
The Recording Academy said the new additions reflect the growing global influence of different music cultures and will provide greater recognition for artists, songwriters, and collaborations across emerging and established genres.
The five categories will debut at the 2027 Grammy Awards ceremony.