IT is finally here. After announcement of nominees, venue uncertainties and very toned-down public engagement, the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA 27) comes off today May 9, at the Grand Arena at Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) in Accra.
TGMA, organised by Charterhouse Productions, is the country’s foremost music industry recognition event. Now in its 27th year, the awards have become a key measure of success in Ghanaian music, looking at everything from streaming figures, album sales to live performances and media visibility.
This year’s edition has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, with fierce competition across key categories. But as has always been the case, no category holds the nation’s attention quite like the Artiste of the Year (AOTY)
AOTY contenders
Six names sit at the very top of the night’s proceedings. They are Black Sherif, Medikal, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Diana Hamilton and Wendy Shay. All six are nominated for the Artiste of the Year, the most coveted prize of any TGMA edition.
Key criteria include a hit single, EP or album, a high volume of nominations, active engagement in live performances, strong media presence and streaming numbers.
Black Sherif: If streaming numbers alone were to decide the Artiste of the Year at TGMA 27, Black Sherif would already have one hand on the trophy. Blacko has had a towering year powered by his 2025 album, Iron Boy.
On Apple Music, he achieved a rare feat of occupying all 12 top spots at once, while Iron Boy stayed Number 1 for 21 weeks. The project also broke into the UK Top Debut Albums chart at Number 6 and later surpassed 100 million streams on Boomplay.
Across Audiomack, his dominance continues with over a billion plays. His eight TGMA nominations reflect this strong digital and critical performance.
Medikal: Medikal enters the race as the confident challenger with a solid commercial year. His hit single Shoulder featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM became one of the most talked-about songs of 2025. His album Disturbation 2 added weight to his catalog, reinforcing his consistency in Rap and Hiplife.
With over 112 million streams on Audiomack and strong monthly listener figures, Medikal remained visible and competitive.
He has also publicly insisted he deserves the crown, pointing to his productivity and influence throughout the year. Like Black Sherif, he also secured eight nominations.
Stonebwoy: He remains one of the seasoned force in the race. His 2025 EP The Torcher showcased his signature blend of Dancehall, Reggae and Afrobeats.
He stayed active on major stages, including the BHIM Festival in Accra and the AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
With eight nominations and a history of dominance in the Reggae/Dancehall category, Stonebwoy brings experience and global appeal into the contest.
Sarkodie: The rap legend from Tema, returns strongly after missing the category last year. His 2025 run included award wins at AFRIMA and a steady presence through his Rapperholic concerts.
With six TGMA nominations, Sarkodie proves his influence in African Hip-Hop is still intact and respected.
Diana Hamilton: Diana Hamilton represents gospel excellence. Her 2025 single Aha Ye and annual Experience Concert series kept her relevant. A former Artiste of the Year winner, she remains one of the most respected gospel voices in Ghana.
Wendy Shay: She completes the lineup with a powerful commercial year. Her album Ready crossed 50 million streams, while hits like Too Late and Crazy Love dominated airwaves. Wendy Shay’s award win at AFRIMA was also a major boost for her for the year under review
Venue crisis
One of the biggest talking points heading into today’s TGMA 27 was not even about the music or the nominees. It was about something much more basic but very important, the venue of the ceremony.
For years, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards had been held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC). It had become almost a tradition, a familiar home for Ghana’s biggest night in music.
The 4,000 capacity venue was built and managed by Charterhouse, organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
So when news came that this year’s event did not have a confirmed venue, it sparked surprise and a lot of public conversation within the entertainment industry.
Speaking on Accra-based Hitz FM about preparations for the awards ceremony, the PRO for Charterhouse, Robert Klah said, “the only thing left now is the venue.”
“Unfortunately, the Grand Arena is not available. What I know is that the owners of the land want to have their place so we don’t have access to it. We have to look for another venue,”he said.
Thankfully, the uncertainty has been resolved. TGMA27 is being hosted at its traditional venue, Grand Arena after earlier notice by organisers that it will be held at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra.
Slow TGMA
There is something different about the mood surrounding this year’s TGMA compared to previous editions.
In years gone by, the weeks before the ceremony were electric. Fans flooded timelines, radio presenters took sides, and the camps of supporters for each Artiste of the Year contender were vocal and combative.
This year, the conversation has been noticeably quieter.
Expectations
Beyond the Artiste of the Year race, tonight’s ceremnoy promises a full evening of music, fashion and celebration that will bring together some of the biggest names in Ghanaian music under one roof.
The event will open with the much-anticipated Red Carpet session themed A Touch of Glitter this year, where celebrities, musicians and industry figures are expected to make fashion statements.
It is the moment for stars to arrive in carefully selected outfits, engage with fans and media, and set the tone for the glamour that defines the night.
After the fashion showcase, attention will shift into the main ceremony, which officially begins with energetic DJ sets designed to warm up the atmosphere inside the auditorium. The night will then moves into a series of live performances that celebrate the diversity of Ghanaian music.
A major highlight of the night will be live performances from some of the Artiste of the Year nominees. They include Wendy Shay and Black Sherif.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh