Entertainment analyst Macall Mensah has criticised Empress Gifty’s win as Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Ghana Music Awards USA, calling it “comical” and questioning the credibility of the scheme.
He argued that the gospel singer didn’t even win in her own genre, which went to Piesie Esther, and that other nominees had stronger claims.
His comments have added fuel to an already heated debate, with fans and industry players divided over whether the award reflects true musical impact or strategic positioning.
The 2025 Ghana Music Awards USA may have crowned Empress Gifty as Artiste of the Year, but the celebration has been anything but quiet. Entertainment analyst Macall Mensah has publicly dismissed the win as out of touch with Ghana’s music reality, sparking renewed debate over the credibility of award schemes.
Speaking on Starr FM, Mensah argued that Empress Gifty’s recognition as the top artiste fails to reflect her standing in the industry. He pointed out that she didn’t even win Gospel Artiste of the Year — a title that went to Piesie Esther — and questioned how she could be named the overall winner when others like Stonebwoy, King Promise, Shatta Wale, and Diana Hamilton had stronger claims.
Mensah suggested that factors like visibility, event attendance, and promotional investment played a bigger role in the outcome than actual musical dominance. He likened the situation to controversies seen at global award shows, where winners often spark outrage due to perceived bias or lobbying.
The backlash has been swift. Fans and stakeholders have taken to social media to challenge the decision, while Empress Gifty and her husband have mounted a strong defence, insisting the award was earned. The gospel singer also took home Gospel Song of the Year for her hit “Watch Me.”
The ceremony, held on August 16 at the Celebrity Theatre inside the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, also honoured Gyedu-Blay Ambolley with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Other winners included Stonebwoy, Kofi Kinaata, King Paluta, Fameye, Beeztrap KOTM, and Piesie Esther.
As the dust settles, the debate continues — raising questions about how award schemes balance popularity, artistry, and influence in a rapidly evolving music landscape.
