Kwasi Ernest, CEO of Media Excel and a prominent member of the Table of Men (ToM), has responded to growing calls from music fans urging the group to lead a campaign for Gospel musicians in the Artiste of the Year (AoTY) category at the upcoming 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), scheduled for May 10.
This year, Team Eternity Ghana (TEG) and Joe Mettle are the Gospel representatives competing for the top prize against Black Sherif, King Paluta, King Promise, and Kweku Smoke.
Joe Mettle made history in 2017 as the first Gospel musician to win the AoTY title. Diana Hamilton followed suit in 2021. In 2023, Piesie Esther came close but ultimately lost to Black Sherif.
ToM notably campaigned for Diana Hamilton during her winning year, and with TEG’s strong presence on the music charts—thanks to their Testimony tape featuring the hit Defe Defe—fans on social media have speculated on the impact ToM’s support could have on TEG’s chances this year.
However, speaking to Graphic Showbiz, Kwasi Ernest clarified that ToM does not support an artiste solely because they are a Gospel act. He emphasized that while the group is committed to promoting Gospel musicians, campaigns must be primarily led by the artiste’s management team.
“Table of Men is not biased. People need to understand that we are not a PR machine for Gospel artistes,” he said. “It’s only proper that any artiste who gets a nomination should have their team lead the campaign.”
He continued, “However, if they believe Table of Men has influence and our support could improve their chances, why not? We are ready to help because we stand for the promotion and well-being of the Gospel music industry.”
Ernest further noted, “We can’t just get up and start campaigning for an artiste. Besides, we don’t even know the strategy their management may have put in place. Until we are officially invited to support, which we’ll gladly do, there’s no point in blaming us. That should be the standard.”
He also revealed that ToM is currently on a break from advocacy campaigns and is focusing on initiatives aimed at strengthening the industry. These include artistic training programs, vocal seminars, distribution services, and marketing and promotional support.
