Renowned Ghanaian songwriter, record producer and lead singer of the award-winning urban gospel group Preachers, Obed Awelinga-Nzuh known as Obed Psych has expressed concerns over the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA)’s newly introduced “Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song” category.
According to him, this new move could either benefit artistes or inadvertently confine them.
In a recent Facebook post, Obed Psych shared his perspective on the development, expressing both excitement but also questioning whether it would truly benefit urban gospel artists or inadvertently confine them.
“To start with, as a pioneer of Christian hip-hop, I was excited about it, but I couldn’t help but wonder if this will actually help us, or will it box us in?” he stated.
He reflected on Preachers’ historic achievement in 2016 when they secured three TGMA nominations despite the absence of an urban gospel category.
He raised a fundamental question: “If it’s ‘Urban/Contemporary Gospel,’ then it’s clearly not just for gospel rappers, dancehall, or afrobeat artists like Preachers, Kingzkid, and Kobby Salm. It also encompasses contemporary gospel singers such as Joe Mettle, MOG, and Cwesi Oteng.
He cautioned against assuming that the new category guarantees nominations and wins for Christian hip-hop artists, emphasizing that “It’s only hard work and determination that can get us a TGMA”.
About Preachers
Preachers is a gospel group. Obed Psych started his music career in 2009 as a founding member of Preachers, pioneering Christian hip-hop music in Ghana. The group consist of three members: Obed Psych, Emani Beats, and Edmund Baidoo.
Preachers gained recognition in the music industry after releasing their debut album, “Mark 16:15,” in 2012, with their hit song “Go Hard”.
As a solo artist, Obed Psych aims to inspire, uplift, and spread positivity through his music.
He has performed on major stages in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. In addition to his musical career, Obed Psych is also a businessman and a father. In January 2025, Obed Psych and Lamisi released a single titled “Together Forever,” which celebrates loyalty, resilience, and love.
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