The 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), slated for May 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, promises a night of thrilling musical celebration with a diverse range of artists vying for recognition. Leading the pack with an impressive eight nominations each are Afrobeat sensation King Promise, Dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy, and the rising Gospel group Team Eternity. This sets the stage for a potentially tight race across multiple categories, showcasing the dynamism and breadth of talent within the Ghanaian music scene.
King Promise’s nominations span various genres, highlighting his versatility and widespread appeal. His hit track “Paris” is up for Most Popular Song and Afro Pop Song, while “Fav Story” contends for International Collaboration, Best Afrobeats Song, and Best Video. The recognition extends to his album “True to Self,” nominated for Album of the Year, further solidifying his status as a leading force in contemporary Afrobeats. He also competes for the coveted Artist of the Year and Afrobeats Artist of the Year awards.
Stonebwoy’s nominations reaffirm his dominance in the Dancehall and Reggae landscape. His album “Up and Running” is nominated for Album/EP of the Year, while his hit single “Jejereje” is up for Most Popular Song and Best Music Video. His collaborations, a hallmark of his musical journey, are also recognized, with “Ekelebe” featuring OdumoduBlvck and “Jiggle And Whine” featuring Spice both nominated for International Collaboration of the Year. Stonebwoy also vies for the Artiste of the Year and Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste titles, demonstrating his continued influence in the genre.
Team Eternity’s eight nominations signal a remarkable breakthrough for the gospel group. Their popular track “DefeDefe” garnered nominations for Most Popular Song, Best Urban Contemporary Gospel, and Song Writer, while Naana Asiedu’s vocal performance in the song is recognized in the Female Vocal Performance category. The group’s impact is further emphasized by their nominations for Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Best New Artiste, and Group of the Year, reflecting their growing prominence within the gospel music sphere.
Trailing closely behind the frontrunners are Black Sherif with seven nominations and King Paluta with six. Black Sherif’s nominations acknowledge his rapidly ascending star power. His songs “January 9” and “Lomo Lomo” (on which he is featured) are both up for Most Popular Song. He also contends for Artiste of the Year, Best Hiplife/Hip-hop Artiste, and recognition in both the Hip-hop and Afrobeat song categories. King Paluta’s nominations span multiple categories, including Artiste of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Hiplife/Hip-hop Artiste, and recognition for both his Highlife and Hiplife tracks.
Sarkodie, a consistent force in Ghanaian music, also receives several nominations, solidifying his enduring impact on the Hiplife/Hip-hop scene. His nominations include Best Hiplife/Hip Pop Artist, Rap Performance, and Hip Hop Song, further cementing his legacy as a prominent figure in the genre. The diverse range of artists and genres represented in the nominations underscores the vibrancy and evolving nature of the Ghanaian music industry. The 26th TGMA promises to be a night of intense competition and a celebration of the rich tapestry of musical talent in Ghana.
The 2025 TGMA nominations highlight not only individual artistic achievements but also the collaborative spirit within the Ghanaian music industry. The various collaborations nominated across different categories underscore the importance of cross-genre partnerships and the power of musical fusion. The awards ceremony promises to be a platform showcasing the diverse talents and evolving trends within the Ghanaian music landscape, celebrating established artists and welcoming emerging talents onto the national stage. The competition for the top honors is set to be fierce, reflecting the dynamic and competitive nature of the Ghanaian music industry.
