When the Recording Academy unveiled its 2025 member class, the announcement carried special weight in Nigeria’s creative community. Among the new inductees was Deola Art Alade, co-founder and Group CEO of Livespot360, the Lagos-based creative powerhouse that has transformed the art of storytelling, live production, and brand experiences across Africa.
From Lagos to the Global Stage
For years, Alade has been at the forefront of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy. Through Livespot360, she has pioneered large-scale productions that merge music, culture, and technology. Her projects have consistently raised the standard of what is possible within African entertainment, positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation in the global marketplace.
Her appointment to the Recording Academy, the body behind the Grammy Awards, represents more than personal recognition. It signals a widening of the global conversation to include African voices at the highest level of cultural decision-making.
The Significance of the Grammy Academy
The Recording Academy is best known for hosting the Grammys, one of the most prestigious honors in music. Each year, it welcomes a new member class comprising artists, producers, executives, and thought leaders from around the world. These individuals not only vote in Grammy categories but also influence the Academy’s future direction.
By welcoming Alade, the Academy acknowledges her contributions to advancing creative excellence in Nigeria and beyond. Her presence adds weight to Africa’s role in shaping how music is recognized and celebrated globally.
Livespot360 and the Evolution of Creative Storytelling
Under Alade’s leadership, Livespot360 has grown into a multidisciplinary creative solutions company, producing groundbreaking campaigns and unforgettable live experiences. From concerts and festivals to branded activations, the company has earned a reputation for merging artistry with strategy.
Her ability to craft immersive cultural experiences has made her a sought-after figure in both business and entertainment circles. For many observers, her induction into the Grammy Academy is a natural extension of her influence and vision.
Africa’s Creative Economy on the Rise
Alade’s recognition comes at a pivotal time. Nigeria’s entertainment and media sector is valued in the billions of dollars, with Nollywood, Afrobeats, and fashion pushing Africa further into the global spotlight. The inclusion of African executives like Alade in the Academy helps to solidify this momentum, ensuring that the continent is not only celebrated but also represented in key global institutions.
A Defining Moment
For Alade, joining the Recording Academy is both a personal achievement and a symbol of progress for Nigeria’s creative industries. It reaffirms that African innovators have not only caught the world’s attention but are now helping to define its cultural future.
As she takes her seat among the Academy’s global voices, her journey underscores a simple truth: Africa’s creative energy is no longer waiting at the margins—it is shaping the center.
