American Grammy-winning artist Matt B has donated all four of his Grammy Awards to the Uganda Museum making Uganda the first African country to ever house the iconic music trophies.
Matt B, born Matthew David Benson, touched down in Kampala on Wednesday, accompanied by his wife and longtime manager Angela Valarie Benson, to personally deliver the awards. The symbolic move has cemented a profound connection between the Afrobeat star and Uganda’s thriving artistic scene.
“Uganda has welcomed me with open arms, and I am so grateful,” Matt B told reporters shortly after his arrival. “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.”
The four Grammy Awards were earned at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where Matt B’s album ALKEBULAN II swept multiple categories. Rooted in African rhythms and voices, the project was crafted in collaboration with Ugandan artists such as Rulz and Zigi Nana — a clear reflection of Matt B’s deepening musical and spiritual ties to the continent.
The trophies will now be enshrined in a dedicated section of the Uganda Museum. The upcoming exhibition will not only showcase the golden gramophones but also offer behind-the-scenes insights from Matt B’s Africa-based productions, along with stories of Ugandan creatives who contributed to his global success.
The move has been hailed as a cultural milestone by national stakeholders.
“This marks a historic milestone for our creative and tourism sectors,” said Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board. “It showcases the growing influence of Uganda’s music industry on the global stage.”
“Global success can be achieved through collaboration, authenticity, and cultural pride,” she added, sending a message of inspiration to Uganda’s emerging talent.
Matt B’s history with Ugandan music predates Alkebulan II. In 2022, he earned his first Grammy nomination for “Gimme Love,” a collaborative track with Eddy Kenzo that broke into Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, peaking at No. 36.
The music video for that song, directed by Angela Valarie Benson, received international acclaim. During the 2022 ceremony, Matt B acknowledged the pivotal role of his partner.
“I dedicate this award to my beautiful wife Angllelav Benson who has been with me every step of the way throughout this journey. Our first Grammy win,” he said during his acceptance speech.
As part of his visit, the Uganda Tourism Board organized a cultural tour for the artist and his entourage, with stops at iconic sites including the Uganda Martyrs Museum, Kabaka’s Palace, the Kasubi Tombs, and top local recording studios. The curated tour was designed to immerse the singer in Uganda’s heritage and evolving music scene.
Besigye Jackline, the acting Commissioner for Museums and Monuments, described the Grammy donation as a defining cultural moment.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Matt B for choosing Uganda as the home for these global accolades,” she said. “This marks a monumental moment in our cultural history.”
The exhibit and Matt B’s visit are part of a broader shift in Uganda’s tourism strategy, which now positions music and the arts as integral components of the national identity — alongside wildlife, adventure, and cultural heritage.
