Ukrainian Jazz Composer Usein Bekirov Joins Recording Academy, Gaining Grammy Voting Rights

On July 10, 2025, Ukrainian jazz pianist, composer and producer Usein Bekirov announced that he had joined the Recording Academy, the U.S. organization that administers the Grammy Awards. In a Facebook post he wrote, “Today I want to share important news with you. I have become a member of the Recording Academy—the organization that brings together music industry professionals and determines the recipients of the Grammy Awards. For me, this is a great honor and another incentive to create music, continue developing, and proudly represent Ukraine on the international stage.” He added that he is preparing to release new music and thanked those who have supported his artistic journey.

Bekirov, born in 1976, is a prominent figure in Ukrainian jazz. He has been nominated for a Grammy Award three times, received the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2021, and is a member of the National Union of Composers of Ukraine. His work spans performance, composition, arrangement and sound production, and he has collaborated with international artists and studios.

Membership in the Recording Academy is open to musicians, producers, engineers and other music professionals who have made significant contributions to the industry. As a member, Bekirov now has the right to vote in the Grammy Awards and to submit his own work for consideration. The Academy’s membership program is described on its website as a peer‑driven community that advocates for creators’ rights and recognizes those whose work shapes the music industry.

Bekirov is not the first Ukrainian artist to join the Academy. In 2024, singer‑songwriter Jerry Heil, who represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest that year, also became a member. Heil’s membership gives her voting rights and the ability to submit her music for Grammy consideration. The growing number of Ukrainian musicians in the Academy reflects the country’s expanding presence in the global music scene.

The Recording Academy, formally the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., was founded in 1957 and is best known for its annual Grammy Awards. The awards honor achievements in music across a wide range of categories and are presented each February. The Academy also runs programs such as MusiCares, a charity that supports the health and welfare of the music community, and the Grammy Museum, which preserves music history.

Bekirov’s addition to the Academy comes amid continued cultural exchange between Ukraine and the United States. His membership provides a platform for Ukrainian jazz to reach a wider audience and for the Academy to recognize the diversity of its members. While the Academy has no public statement on Bekirov’s specific contributions, its membership guidelines emphasize the importance of artistic excellence and professional impact.

Bekirov has indicated that he will soon release new material. The announcement was made on social media, and no official release date has yet been announced. The artist’s Facebook post was shared by several Ukrainian media outlets, and the news has been covered by international music news sites.

In summary, Usein Bekirov’s membership in the Recording Academy marks a milestone for both the artist and Ukrainian jazz. It grants him voting rights and the ability to submit his work for Grammy consideration, and it adds to the growing representation of Ukrainian musicians in a major U.S. music institution. The Academy’s membership program continues to expand its global reach, and Bekirov’s inclusion is a testament to the international influence of Ukrainian music.