MELISSA KARIUKI JOINS GRAMMYS, BOOSTING KENYA’S CREATIVE TECH SCENE

Melissa Kariuki, the founder and CEO of Whip Music, has earned global recognition after being invited to join the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class — the prestigious body behind the GRAMMY Awards.
Kariuki, a rising force in Kenya’s tech and creative industries, was selected alongside nearly 3,600 global music creators and professionals. The new class reflects the Academy’s push for diversity and inclusion, with 49% women, 56% people of color, and 60% under the age of 40.
Her company, Whip Music, is a cutting-edge music-tech startup that supports African artists with distribution, influencer campaigns, editorial placements, and fan engagement. Since its launch, Whip Music has powered over 200 successful campaigns across Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and the United States, promoting artists like CKay, Ayra Starr, and David Guetta.
“This invitation is not just about me, it’s about amplifying African innovation and creativity on the global stage,” Kariuki said in a recent statement.
A tech-savvy entrepreneur, Kariuki previously held roles at Google and Meta, and is an alumna of the African Leadership University and Tsinghua University.
Once she officially accepts the invitation by July 31, Kariuki will gain voting rights for the GRAMMY Awards, enabling her to participate in the nomination and selection process of future winners.
Her appointment is a major win for the African creative economy, marking a step forward in recognizing the continent’s influence in global music and tech spaces.