With anticipation steadily building toward the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, a fresh wave of debate has been sparked after Medikal’s manager, Kofi Jam, publicly voiced his concerns about what he sees as the persistent sidelining of rap music at the highest level of recognition.
In a bold and reflective social media post, Kofi Jam credited artists like Medikal for keeping rap music alive and thriving in Ghana, insisting that their contribution to the industry has been both impactful and consistent over the years. However, he questioned why that same level of influence has not translated into top honours, particularly the coveted Artiste of the Year award.
He highlighted a striking gap that has since caught the attention of music fans and industry stakeholders alike — the last time a rapper won the Artiste of the Year title at the awards scheme was in 2016, nearly ten years ago. To him, this is not just a coincidence but a worrying pattern that suggests rap music may not be receiving the recognition it truly deserves.
Kofi Jam further pointed to Medikal’s track record, describing him as one of the most consistent and relevant rappers in the country. From hit releases to cultural influence and a strong connection with the youth, he believes Medikal has earned his place among the top contenders and should not be overlooked.
The manager also revisited the controversial 2017 awards season, where Medikal secured several nominations but failed to win any major award — a situation many fans still consider a significant snub. According to him, moments like that reinforce the perception that rap artists are often undervalued within the scheme.
As the 2026 edition approaches, these comments have added pressure on the organizers to demonstrate fairness and balance in their selection process. More importantly, they have reignited a broader industry conversation about how different genres are evaluated and whether the current system truly reflects the evolving soundscape of Ghanaian music.
For now, Kofi Jam’s message is clear — the time has come for rap music, and artists like Medikal, to receive the recognition their consistency and influence have long deserved.
Source:
www.zionfelix.net
