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Ghanaian music producer Joseph Kwame Addison, widely recognized as Killbeatz, made history as the first Ghanaian beatmaker to win a Grammy Award. This prestigious achievement was bestowed upon him at the 60th Grammy Awards ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York, USA.
Killbeatz emerged victorious on this illustrious night, claiming his Grammy for his work on the song "Bibia Be Ye Ye" by British sensation Ed Sheeran, featuring UK-based Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG. This track was featured on Sheeran's acclaimed album "Divide," which secured the award for Best Pop Vocal Album at this year's Grammys.
Although the primary Grammy honor is bestowed upon Ed Sheeran, Killbeatz will receive a certificate acknowledging his significant contribution to the award-winning album.
It's worth noting that Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG also celebrated a Grammy win during the ceremony. Born Nana Richard Abiona, Fuse was honored for his contributions as a co-writer on Ed Sheeran's "Divide" album, which won the award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
Killbeatz, a talented music producer and sound engineer, initially honed his skills by playing instruments for his church before venturing into secular music. His journey in the industry was propelled by his association with Ghanaian music producer Kaywa, which paved the way for collaborations with notable artists such as Sarkodie, Efya, R2Bees, Wizkid, Ed Sheeran, and Fuse ODG.
Renowned for his versatility across various music genres including highlife, hiplife, Azonto, Afrobeats, gospel, and afro-pop, Killbeatz's impact on the Azonto music movement in 2012 was particularly significant, as he produced beats for several Azonto hits during its peak.
In recognition of his exceptional talent, Killbeatz clinched the Producer of the Year title at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2013, 2014, and 2018, solidifying his position as a powerhouse in the African music scene.
Killbeatz's groundbreaking Grammy win not only marks a personal triumph but also underscores Ghanaian music producers' global recognition and influence in the international music arena. His achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring producers and musicians across the continent, showcasing the immense talent and creativity within Africa's vibrant music industry.
Explore the life of KillBeatz below.
