Multi-Grammy award-winning Afrobeat sensation Matthew David Benson, popularly known as Matt B, has donated all four of his Grammy Awards to the Uganda Museum.
This unprecedented act makes Uganda the first African country to house such globally revered music accolades.
The Grammy-winning artist, who recently clinched four awards for his critically acclaimed album ALKEBULAN II, announced the donation upon his arrival in Uganda.
His Grammy trophies will be part of a specially curated exhibition at the Uganda Museum, featuring behind-the-scenes content from his African collaborations and stories of Ugandan creatives who contributed to his musical journey.
Among these are renowned Ugandan producers and musicians like Rulz and Zigi Nana, who helped bring the ALKEBULAN II project to life.
Matt B has long maintained ties with Uganda’s music scene, having earned his first Grammy nomination in 2022 for “Gimme Love,” a collaboration with Ugandan superstar Eddy Kenzo.
Speaking during his visit, Matt B expressed heartfelt gratitude: “Uganda has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so grateful. When other countries were not open to some of the things I was doing, Uganda was.”
“To Uganda and to the Ugandan people, thank you so much for embracing me, thank you so much for allowing me to be creative and for supporting me,” he added.
The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) hailed the donation as a major boost to the country’s destination branding strategy.
To honor his contribution, UTB organized a Kampala city tour for Matt B and his team, highlighting key cultural and religious landmarks such as the Uganda Martyrs Museum, Kabaka’s Palace, Kasubi Tombs, and iconic local music production spaces.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO of UTB, welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone for Uganda’s tourism and creative industries. “Matt B’s decision to donate his Grammy Awards to Uganda marks a historic milestone for our creative and tourism sectors.”
“This partnership showcases the growing influence of Uganda’s music industry on the global stage, and we are honoured to celebrate this unique cultural exchange,” she said.
“This initiative is expected to inspire young Ugandan musicians and creatives by reinforcing the message that global success can be achieved through collaboration, authenticity, and cultural pride,” she added.
Besigye Jackline, Acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, also praised the artist’s gesture. “We are deeply honored by the generous gesture of award-winning artist Matt B.”
“The donation of all four of his Grammy Awards to the Uganda Museum marks a monumental moment in our cultural history. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matt B for choosing Uganda as the home for these global accolades,” she said.
Matt B’s visit supports UTB’s ongoing strategy to diversify Uganda’s tourism appeal by promoting music, arts, and creative culture alongside the country’s rich wildlife, adventure offerings, and historical heritage.
UTB is calling on all Ugandans, stakeholders, and the media to join in celebrating this landmark moment, which highlights Uganda’s growing stature on the global creative stage.
