The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is celebrating a landmark moment in the country’s cultural and tourism sectors following a visit from American Grammy-winning artist Matt B, who has donated all four of his 67th Annual Grammy Awards to the Uganda Museum.
The gesture, announced on July 24th, 2025, marks the first time an international artist has repatriated such prestigious awards to an African nation, signaling a new era of global recognition for Uganda’s creative industries.
Matt B, born Matthew David Benson, won the awards for his album ALKEBULAN II, a project deeply rooted in African collaboration, featuring Ugandan artists such as Rulz and Zigi Nana.
The donation, which includes the Grammy statues and behind-the-scenes materials from his Africa-based projects, will be housed in a specially curated exhibition space at the Uganda Museum.
Acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, Besigye Jackline, described the move as “a monumental moment in our cultural history,” highlighting the inclusion of stories from Ugandan producers and musicians who contributed to the album.
The artist, who was previously nominated in 2022 for his collaboration with Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo on “Gimme Love,” has further cemented his ties with Uganda through this unprecedented act.
The exhibition is expected to showcase the growing influence of Uganda’s music industry on the global stage, building on a legacy that traces back to the 1990s when Jamaican Ragga music influenced local artists like Shanks Vivi Dee and Ragga Dee, as noted in Wikipedia’s overview of Ugandan music.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), under the leadership of newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kagwa, formerly of Seed Co Group and Diageo, has seized this opportunity to enhance Uganda’s destination branding.
Ms. Kagwa expressed delight at the development, stating, “Matt B’s Grammy donations mark a historic milestone for our creative and tourism sectors.”
As part of his visit, the board curated a Kampala city tour for the artist and his team, featuring cultural and religious landmarks such as the Uganda Martyrs Museum, Kabaka’s Palace, and the Kasubi Tombs, alongside visits to local music studios.
This strategic move aligns with recent efforts to position Uganda as a hub for cultural tourism, following a 2024 Nile Post report that highlighted the country’s rising international music recognition.
The tour and donation are seen as a timely boost to attract global visitors, reinforcing the “Explore Uganda, the Pearl of Africa” campaign.
For those inspired to explore further, Uganda safari packages and eco tours are gaining popularity, offering travelers a chance to experience the country’s wildlife and fragile ecosystems managed by local communities.
The news has sparked excitement on social media, with social media users congratulating the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and Matt B.
The donation challenges the historical narrative of cultural artifacts leaving Africa, instead bringing international acclaim back to the continent.
With Uganda’s music scene gaining traction, thanks to pioneers like DJ Erycom, who popularized Ugandan music online; the country is poised to leverage this moment to enhance its global cultural footprint.
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