Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese
Ghanaian rapper Kwaw Kese has raised concerns about the credibility of some music award schemes, arguing that the growing practice of artists financing votes for their fans is damaging the value of such recognitions.
Speaking during an interview on MX24 TV on February 19, 2026, the rapper shared his thoughts on award nominations and whether he would be willing to accept them, particularly from the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
According to him, he has no issue being nominated as long as the recognition is genuinely based on merit and the quality of his work.
However, Kwaw Kese said he has become increasingly uncomfortable with what he describes as a trend where musicians sponsor fans with airtime or money to vote for them during award competitions.
He explained that when artists begin to fund votes, it turns the awards into a contest of financial strength rather than talent or impact.
The rapper stressed that such actions undermine the integrity of award schemes and make the honours appear as though they can be bought by the highest spender.
Kwaw Kese further argued that the system should be reviewed to ensure fairness, adding that awards should reflect real public appreciation and industry recognition instead of financial influence
