King Paluta, King Promise and Kweku Smoke are in contention for the Artiste of the Year title
The 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards nominations are out, and artistes, along with industry stakeholders, are gearing up to secure prestigious awards at the main event.
As with previous editions, this year’s TGMA comes with some additions, subtractions, and notable changes that will stir up excitement.
As preparations are underway, here are four key things to note before this year’s TGMA
1. New Category Added
Earlier this year, the TGMA board introduced a new category: ‘Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song’.
This category aims to recognise the most popular gospel song that blends contemporary genres like R&B, hip-hop, and pop with traditional gospel elements.
It’s an exciting addition that showcases the evolution of gospel music in Ghana.
2. Group of the Year excluded again
The ‘Group of the Year’ category, which had been a staple at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards for many years, saw groups like Keche (2021), DopeNation (2020), Bethel Revival Choir (2019), Wutah (2018), and VVIP (2017) take home the award, was scrapped in 2022.
This was due to what was termed “a lack of competitiveness.”
In 2024, a petition spearheaded by fresh music sensation LalixLola, with support from industry players, called for the category’s revival.
However, despite the call, the category has yet to make a return.
3. ‘First and second timers’
After a stellar 2024 performance, popular rapper Kweku Smoke earned his first-ever ‘Artiste of the Year’ nomination, much to the excitement of his loyal fanbase.
Also, gospel music group, Team Eternity, which made waves in 2024 with their hit song “Defe Defe,” received a nomination in the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category.
In addition, they have secured seven other nominations in various categories, including Best Gospel Song, Best Collaboration, Best Group Performance, and Best New Artiste, among others.
4. A ‘back for round two’
After a tight race in 2024, which saw him lose to Stonebwoy, Afrobeats sensation King Promise is back and determined to win the coveted ‘Artiste of the Year’ award.
This category is keenly contested by King Paluta following an impressive 2024 that saw his hit songs dominate the charts.
In conclusion, as the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes shape the awards scheme.
ID/EB
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You can also watch videos from the unveiling of the 2025 TGMA nominees on GhanaWeb TV below:
