MC Portfolio is a popular entertainment pundit
Prominent Ghanaian entertainment pundit, MC Portfolio has admonished the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) board against using only streaming numbers to define what qualifies as a hit song.
According to him, the on-ground impact of the song remains a critical component of a record’s success.
Speaking on Hitz FM on January 19, 2026, MC Portfolio argued that while the digital era has transformed how music consumption is tracked and quantified, traditional metrics still matter and should be factored into award considerations.
“I know the dynamics have changed in the digital era or whatever but please, the TGMA board should not relegate the on-grounds effect of songs to the background,” he said.
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His comments come as the TGMA organisers have announced the official opening of nominations for the 27th edition of the TGMAs, which is accepting entries for music released in 2025.
He noted that despite the increasing importance of digital platforms, a significant portion of music consumers in Ghana do not actively use streaming services, yet they participate in the country’s musical culture.
“In as much as we are trying to over-digitalize things, we still have a disconnect of people who are not into our streaming platforms who still actively consume our music.
“We have to find a place to measure the impact of music beyond streams. The on-grounds effect of songs should be factored,” he added.
He advocated for a measurement framework that accounts for on-grounds effect including radio and TV play, nightclubs and pubs, street performance buzz and live audience reactions.
Portfolio also took the opportunity to single out versatile songstress Wendy Shay, stating that she has had an outstanding 2025 and deserves recognition in the much sought after Artiste of the Year category.
ID/AM
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