Internet agrees as Shari Belafonte slams Grammys over missing 'Special Tribute' for late Harry Belafonte

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shari Belafonte recently expressed disappointment with the Grammy Awards, believing that her late father, Harry Belafonte, was not adequately honored during the event.

According to PEOPLE Magazine, the Jamaican-American singer-songwriter died in April 2023 at the age of 96 from congestive heart failure at his New York home, with his wife Pamela Frank by his side.

Harry, whose music played a significant role in introducing Caribbean music to a global audience, was notably the Black person to win an Emmy in 1960. During his career, the folk singer bagged three Grammy Awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. 

Shari Belafonte says she feels 'appalled' by Harry Belafonte not being included in Grammys 'special tribute'

According to PEOPLE Magazine, Shari expressed her belief that her late father, Harry, deserved a more significant tribute during the 'In Memoriam' segment at the Grammy Awards.

The 2024 Grammy Awards featured tribute performances honoring the late musicians Tina Turner, Tony Bennett, Sinead O'Connor, and Clarence Avant.

Shari, herself an actress and musician, shared her sentiments in a piece for Deadline, highlighting Harry's numerous cultural contributions and advocating for a more substantial tribute to the Grammy-winning artist.

She asserted, "The Grammys were truly the first of the award shows that I think had enough time to be properly produced. The talent was boundless. The acceptance speeches, from the heart. Then came the “In Memoriam” segment that I know SO many of us were preparing the tissue box for."

"There have been numerous homages made to Harry since his passing in April of last year. There will be many more. But the one you would immediately imagine to be grand would’ve been the one the Grammys would have done. And yet, a two-second picture of him on the screen was all that was allotted," sighed Shari.

She further noted, "Now don’t get me wrong. While the folks who had a bit more of a shout-out this year were absolutely deserving of the accolades, I’m a bit appalled that Harry was not included in a 'Special Tribute' section. And I’m not just saying that because he was my father."

Shari elaborated on Harry's groundbreaking achievements, including being the first Black man to win an Emmy, achieving EGOT status, and receiving honors from the Kennedy Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

She underscored his role in introducing calypso music to a global audience and his activism in the civil rights movement.

While acknowledging the deserving tribute recipients, Shari lamented, "While no doubt Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, and others were special indeed and deserved a spotlight on the Grammys, I believe the Grammys also missed an opportunity to remind the world that there was another great artist and humanitarian. But he was sadly overlooked… as so many people of color still are."

Internet users side with Shari Belafonte over her feelings about Harry Belafonte not getting a special tribute at the Grammys

Soon after Shari's thoughts about her father, Harry, not getting a special tribute at the 2024 Grammys came to light, netizens took to social media to share their thoughts. 

One said, "We are the World was basically his idea. It’s a shame they didn’t give him a special tribute," and another noted, "She's absolutely right." 

A person remarked, "A definite mistake on the part of the Grammy's. Belafonte is a legend and deserved recognition," while someone else simply stated, "That is sad."

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