Independent artists continue to make their presence known at the annual Grammy awards. Leading international entertainment agencies, Membran Entertainment Group, has cultivated the musical careers of its artistes that subsequently led them to receive numerous 2017 Grammy nominations, including categories of “Best New Artist”, “Best Arrangement”, and “Best Improvised Jazz Solo”.

At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, Membran’s artistes earned nominations in a total of seven categories where one of their artistes is nominated in two categories, the American R&B and Hip Hop singer-songwriter, Anderson .Paak. He received nominations in categories of “Best New Artist” and “Best Urban Contemporary Album” for his album titled “Malibu”. This is attributed to the album’s marketing and distribution efforts made by Membran Entertainment Group through an established deal with Steelwool Entertainment.

Multi-talented singer, arranger and instrumentalist, Jacob Collier, is nominated twice in one category, “Best Arrangement”, for “Flintstones” and “You and I”. Since gaining recognition on YouTube in 2011, he now tours around the world as a one-man band.

Other nominated artistes include up and coming Jazz stars, Motéma label-mates Joey Alexander and René Marie, who are set to follow the footsteps of Grammy-winning jazz artiste, Gregory Porter. Joey Alexander received a nomination in “Best Improvised Jazz Solo” for “Countdown”, whereas Renè Marie is nominated for “Sound of Red” in the category of “Best Jazz Vocal Album”. American blues singer and guitarist, Kenny Neal, earned a nomination in “Best Contemporary Blues Album” and folk icons, Judy Collins & Ari Hest, are nominated for “Best Folk Album”.