Nigerian singer Kold AF is among more than 4,000 music creators and industry professionals invited to join the Recording Academy’s 2026 New Member Class.
The 25-year-old artist has accepted the invitation, confirming her role as a voting member for the upcoming Grammy Awards.
“An honour. A responsibility. Looking forward to serving & continuing to grow as an artist and a Recording Academy Voting Member,” Kold AF said in response to the invitation.
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The singer, whose full name is Aninooritsewarami Alero Oritsesan, is known for an “Afro Fusion” sound that blends Afrobeats, Dancehall, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, and R&B.
Her latest single, “4 by 4!”, a collaboration with rapper ODUMODUBLVCK, was released on 10 July, one day after the Academy issued its invitations.
A cinematic video for the track, directed by Guntemi, followed on 15 July. Earlier in 2026, she released the solo single “lost!” and the collaborative track “victory!” featuring Vicoka and Lowfeye.
The Recording Academy’s 2026 class spans a broad range of genres and geographies, continuing a push to diversify its membership. Voting members directly decide the outcomes of the Grammy Awards and gain access to industry advocacy and professional development programmes.
Invitees have until 31 July to accept formally, but Kold AF’s public remarks indicate she will take up the position.
The Academy’s final membership roster for the 2026 voting season will be published after the deadline closes.
