Recording Academy’s new Chief DEI Officer wants to amplify underserved communities in the music industry

Nzinga “Zing” Shaw says that her new position is not just a job but a way of life.

By Allison Joyner

The organization that brings you the Grammys has hired Nzinga “Zing” Shaw as their new Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer. 

The Recording Academy, which recognizes achievements in the music industry worldwide, began its push for inclusivity after the racial reckoning of civil unrest in 2020. 

“To be the Chief DEI Officer of the Recording Academy means that I have a unique opportunity to help bridge gaps in the human condition and the human experience through music to amplify our unique experiences and ultimately create an ecosystem of love,” Shaw said. 

Shaw has been working in the DEI industry for almost 10 years. She was the NBA’s first Director of Diversity and Inclusion for a team — the Atlanta Hawks — in 2014. She later worked with other organizations including Starbucks and HR company Marsh and McLennan to develop welcoming and inclusive environments. 

The Recording Academy, usually known for its telecast of the Grammy’s, does a lot of work for its members throughout the year. 

 

READ MORE: Black Women’s History Month: Nzinga Shaw

 

“There are 364 days of the year where musicians need to be put on a pedestal to show their art form to the world,” Shaw said. “We have a lot of platforms where we’re pouring into musicians beyond a one-and-done award show. That’s the opportunity for all of us in this industry and for the Recording Academy to spend the entire year pouring into the music community in ways that serve the community.”

As the categories of music in the music industry are diverse, the majority of the ones who are making decisions are not.

Communities of color, LGBTQIA+, those with disabilities, and younger people are some of the communities that Shaw wants to represent within the organization and music industry. 

“All of these communities are in many ways underserved and are desperate for a voice through music,” Shaw said, “and we have an opportunity to serve all of them in this particular moment.”

Shaw told SaprotaReport that the Recording Academy needs to be hyper-focused on DEI to ensure that the most marginalized musicians, creators, production experts and engineers can reach their maximum potential. 

“When we think about music, we often think about people that are winning Grammy awards or people that are Grammy-nominated but the bulk of musicians and creators are not in the public eye,” Shaw said. “They’re regular people like me and you trying to earn a living based on their natural talents and natural abilities.”

With Atlanta being a predominantly Black city, Shaw thinks that the Recording  Academy’s decision to relocate its DEI operations here instead of its main office in Los Angeles would show its members that they are serious about shifting from how things are used to be. 

“The Recording Academy is LA-based and that’s where our home offices and a lot of the work has been done but to put this position in a city like Atlanta is a major statement by the Recording Academy because we are a majority Black city,” Shaw said. We have been coined ‘the city too big to hate,’ we’re the home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We are the bedrock of Civil Rights and Atlanta influences everything.”

One of Shaw’s plans is to work on improving the Black community by hosting a panel at the Black Sports Business Symposium which will take place at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Apr. 13 through 15. The Symposium celebrates Black professionals and students in the sports industry. 

Shaw will talk to the Recording Academy’s Atlanta Chapter president Justin “Henny” Henderson, during her panel. The academy’s Board of Trustee member, Kennard Garrett, will discuss the intersection of sports and music.

As a professor and Trustee member at Fisk University, Shaw thinks education is vital to improving opportunities for communities needing representation. The collegiate programs offer scholarships and career opportunities to Black and Brown students. In addition, the HBCU Love Tour travels to Historically Black Colleges and Universities to ensure students get an excellent musical education. 

“This is all intentional, through the lens of serving the Black and Brown community and we will continue these efforts which I think have made great progress for our students and are going to ensure that the music business remains diverse as it evolves,” Shaw said.

But the work continues. Shaw wants everyone to encourage artists and creators to continue to work on their craft by attending local shows and concerts whenever possible. 

“There are many things we can do,” Shaw said. “It’s not one size fits all, but I think if there’s engagement from every person, that will eventually amount to a monumental shift in the way that music is perceived and the way it is appreciated,”