From L to R: EL, KiDi and King Promise are Ghanaian artistes to use the phrase
It has been exactly a week since the popular phrase “I will be back” once again found its way to the lips of many Ghanaians, especially music lovers.
The phrase seems to have become a mantra at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), as nearly every award winner at the just-ended 2025 edition echoed the same words during their acceptance speeches.
At the forefront was King Promise, who, after winning several awards, confidently used the phrase during his speech while anticipating the most coveted title of the night, Artiste of the Year.
But where did this now-iconic phrase originate?
The genesis of “I will be back” can be traced to rapper E.L, who first used it during the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (now the Telecel Ghana Music Awards). However, the phrase truly gained traction in 2021 when KiDi, despite sweeping four awards, Highlife Song, Best Afrobeat Song, Best Afrobeat Artiste, and EP of the Year, failed to win Artiste of the Year.
That night, KiDi repeatedly assured the audience he would return to claim the top prize. His cheeky confidence and sense of entitlement became a memorable moment, especially after the award eventually went to gospel sensation Diana Hamilton.
Since then, “I’ll be back” has become a recurring phrase at the TGMAs, used by hopeful nominees and winners alike.
Even at the 2025 ceremony, King Promise continued the tradition. After his first win of the night, he said: “Super, super thankful for this award. Shoutout to all the fans. It’s because of you people we dey here. Big love, I’ll be back.”
Following the event, KiDi took to social media to poke fun at the widespread use of the phrase, writing: “I for start dey take royalties for ‘I’ll be back.'”
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