Eddie Hatitye, a social entrepreneur, music executive and record producer, has been invited to join the Recording Academy’s Class of 2026 as a Professional Member, marking a new chapter in a career that has helped shape Africa’s music ecosystem for nearly two decades.
The Recording Academy is one of the world’s leading music organisations, dedicated to supporting music creators, advancing the recording arts and recognising excellence through the annual Grammy Awards. As a Professional Member, Hatitye joins a global community of artists, producers, songwriters, engineers and executives committed to strengthening the recording industry.
Hatitye’s career spans music industry development, cultural policy, entrepreneurship, research, investment and international cooperation. He has worked to build institutions and programmes that support the continent’s creative economy.
In 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) appointed him as an international expert for its Creative Industries Forum in the Caribbean. He has also served as a senior consultant to the World Bank Group, contributing to the CREATIFI programme in Mozambique and Senegal, where he supported research, sector development and industry competitiveness.
Hatitye is the founder of InterArts Funding, an agency that assists African social enterprises, non-profit organisations and creative businesses with fundraising, strategic advisory and organisational development.
Alongside his executive work, he remains active as a record producer under the imprint Epic Minds. His production credits include collaborations with artists such as Camidoh, Skales, S’Villa, Trigmatic and Ghanaian highlife legend Ebo Taylor.
“It is an honour to join the Recording Academy,” Hatitye said. “This recognition reflects not only my own journey but also the many artists, colleagues, organisations and partners I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. African music has become one of the world’s most influential cultural forces, and I look forward to contributing to global conversations while continuing to advocate for greater recognition and opportunities for African creators and the wider music ecosystem.”
Hatitye’s invitation comes as African music continues to gain global prominence, with artists, producers and music businesses increasingly shaping international markets. His entry into the Academy reflects the growing presence of African music professionals within global industry institutions.
