It’s not every day that a Grammy Award lands in Uganda, let alone four of them. But for American Afrobeat sensation Matt B, Uganda was more than a pitstop on a global tour. It was the birthplace of inspiration. And now, it’s the permanent home of his most prized trophies.
In an emotional tribute that left even seasoned curators misty-eyed, Matt B (born Matthew David Benson) donated all four of his Grammy Awards to the Uganda Museum, making Uganda the first African nation to receive and showcase Grammy trophies.
“Uganda gave me rhythm, soul, and spirit,” Matt B said as he unveiled the awards in Kampala. “These Grammys belong here — to the people, the culture, the land that helped birth the sound.”
The artist’s chart-topping album ALKEBULAN II was a love letter to Africa — with Uganda playing a lead role behind the curtain.
Local producers, sound engineers, and storytellers formed the sonic backbone of the project. Matt B’s decision to permanently donate the awards is both a nod to their brilliance and a bold cultural statement: Uganda doesn’t just inspire – it creates.
Not Just Awards, A Legacy
At the museum, the Grammy installation will be more than a display case, it’s an immersive experience. Visitors will walk through curated visuals, studio clips, handwritten lyrics, and interactive audio from the Ugandan collaborators who helped shape the album. It’s an intimate backstage pass into the Afrobeat album that shook the world.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO of Uganda Tourism Board, called it “a powerful tribute to the symphony of collaboration between Africa and the Diaspora.
“This isn’t just music. It’s movement. It’s memory. It’s identity.”
From Entebbe With Love
Matt B touched down at Entebbe International Airport on July 23rd to a warm Ugandan welcome – complete with drummers, dancers, and flag-waving fans.
His itinerary? A heartfelt return to the places that moved him: the Uganda Martyrs Shrine, Kasubi Tombs, Kabaka’s Palace, and Kampala’s vibrant recording studios.
He said the decision to leave his Grammys in Uganda was made months ago, quietly and intentionally.
“I’ve won awards before, but this is different. Uganda didn’t just support me — it shaped me.”
While the spotlight shines on Matt B, the story behind the music is gloriously Ugandan. Behind every beat, harmony, and verse on ALKEBULAN II is a network of local creatives — many of whom worked in modest studios with world-class precision. Their names now sit in Grammy history.
Jackline Besigye, the Ag Commissioner for Museums and Monuments Department at Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, put it best: “These Grammys aren’t just metal and glass. They’re proof that talent rooted in Africa can resonate across continents.”
“We are deeply honoured by the generous gesture of award-winning artist, Matt B. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Uganda as the home of these global accolades.”
A Moment That Will Echo
As cameras flashed and the Museum’s doors opened, one thing became clear: this was more than a celebrity visit. It was a moment of reclamation, a message that Uganda is not just where stories are told. It’s where history is made.
And in the echoes of Matt B’s Afrobeat rhythms, Uganda now holds more than just Grammy gold. It holds the heart of a movement.
