Over 2,700 music industry professionals have joined the Academy class of 2022, including rapper and former BBNaija reality star Lekan Agbeleshe, also known as Laycon, music executive Biodun Osikoya, also known as Bizzle Osikoya, singer Ikuforiji Olaitan, also known as Oxlade, and entertainment lawyer Foza Fawehinmi.

The Academy claims that the members, who were chosen from a variety of backgrounds, fell into the voting and non-voting categories.

The Academy wrote on Twitter:

“Congratulations to the 2,700+ music professionals from wide-ranging backgrounds, genres, and disciplines, who received a membership invitation from the Recording Academy.”

According to Kelley Purcell, the vice president of the Academy’s membership and industry relations, the new members represent the organization’s future.

In his words:

“Our new members symbolise the future of the Academy and represent the direction we are headed in as an organisation and the music community at large. Their new ideas, recommendations and observations help us drive positive progress as we continue our evolution.”

In his reaction on Twitter, Laycon said he will be using his new position to advocate for “our music community.”

Laycon wrote:

“Africa up! I am now officially a member of the Recording Academy, joining the best creators and professionals who serve, celebrate, and advocate for our music community year-round.”