TGMAs 2025 Winners: Full List

Telecel Ghana Music Awards: A Glimpse into Future trends

The Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), celebrated its 26th edition in 2025, and is more than just an awards show; it’s a cultural barometer. The event, held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Center, not only honors the present achievements in Ghanaian music but also offers invaluable insights into the trajectory of the industry. What can the winners and trends from this year tell us about the future of Ghanaian music,both locally and on the global stage?

Highlighting the 2025 TGMA Winners

The 2025 TGMAs showcased a diverse range of talent,reflecting the dynamic nature of Ghana’s music scene. Hear’s a snapshot of the winners:

• Unsung Artiste: Yaw Darling
• best Hiplife Song of the Year: Bad Feeling by Tulenkey
• Best Male Vocalist: Joe Mettle
• Best Female Vocal Performance: I Choose to Praise by Esther Godwyll
• Best Highlife Song of the Year: King Paluta
• Best Hip-hop Song of the Year: Holy Ghost by Kweku Smoke
• Collaboration of the year: Lomo Lomo by KiDi featuring Black Sherif
• International Collaboration of the Year: Doing of the Lord by Diana Hamilton featuring Mercy Chinwo
• Best Afropop Song of the Year: Paris by King Promise
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Yaw Sarpong
• Best Traditional Gospel Song: Watch Me by Empress Gifty
• Best afrobeat Song of the Year: Asylum by Olivetheboy
• Best Music Video: Jejereje by Stonebwoy directed by Banini
• Gospel Artiste of the Year: Joe Mettle
• Producer of the Year: Kendybeats and King Paluta
• Best Afrobeat/Afropop Artiste of the Year: King Promise
• Best Urban Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year: Defe Defe by team Eternity
• Best African Song: Tshwala Bam by TitoM, Yuppe & Burna boy
• Highlife Artiste of the Year: Fameye
• Songwriter of the Year: Kofi Kinaata
• Rap Performance of the Year: Kweku Smoke (Holy Ghost)
• Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year: Stonebwoy
• Group of the Year: Team Eternity Ghana
• Best Hiplife/Hip Pop Artiste of the Year: Kweku Smoke
• best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year: Psalm 23 by Stonebwoy
• Album/EP of the Year: True to Self by King Promise
• Record of the Year: can I Live by Ayisi
• Best New Artiste of the Year: Beeztrap
• Most Popular Song of the Year: Aseda by King Paluta
• Artiste of the Year: king Promise

Key Takeaways and Emerging Trends

Several themes emerged from the 2025 TGMAs that offer a glimpse into the future of Ghanaian music:

Afrobeats Dominance Continues

Afrobeats maintains its stronghold, with Olivetheboy winning Best Afrobeat Song of the Year. This genre’s infectious rhythms and global appeal ensure its continued prominence. The success of artists like Wizkid and Burna Boy internationally sets a precedent for Ghanaian artists.The crossover appeal of Afrobeats provides a strong foundation for future growth.

The Rise of Collaborations

The Collaboration of the Year award, won by KiDi featuring black Sherif, underscores the power of partnerships. These collaborations not only blend diverse talents but also broaden audience reach.Expect to see more strategic alliances between Ghanaian artists and international acts, fostering cross-cultural musical exchanges.

Pro Tip: For musicians looking to expand their reach, consider collaborations with artists from different genres or countries. This can introduce your music to new audiences and create unique sonic experiences.

gospel Music’s Enduring Influence

Gospel music remains a vital part of Ghana’s cultural fabric, with Joe Mettle taking home Gospel Artiste of the Year. The blend of traditional and urban contemporary gospel, as seen with Empress Gifty and Team Eternity Ghana, highlights the genre’s adaptability and continued relevance. This suggests a future where gospel music continues to evolve while retaining its core spiritual message.

Hiplife and Hip-hop Evolution

Kweku Smoke’s success in both Best Hip-hop Song and Best Hiplife/Hip Pop Artiste categories signals the ongoing evolution of these genres. Ghanaian artists are infusing local elements into hip-hop, creating a unique sound that resonates with both local and international audiences. This fusion is crucial for maintaining cultural identity while appealing to global tastes.

Did You know? Hiplife, a uniquely Ghanaian genre, blends hip-hop with highlife music and Ghanaian languages, creating a distinct cultural sound.

Highlife’s Resurgence

Fameye winning Highlife Artiste of the Year confirms the genre’s enduring appeal and resurgence. Highlife music, a cornerstone of Ghanaian identity, is being revitalized by contemporary artists who blend traditional sounds with modern production techniques. This ensures its continued relevance for future generations.

Future Trends in Ghanaian Music

Based on the 2025 TGMA winners and broader industry trends, here are some potential future directions for Ghanaian music:

• Increased International Collaborations: Globalization will drive more partnerships between Ghanaian artists and international musicians, blending diverse sounds and cultures.
• Genre Fusion: Expect more artists to experiment with genre fusion, mixing Afrobeats, highlife, hip-hop, and other styles to create innovative sounds.
• Digital Music Consumption: Streaming platforms and digital downloads will continue to dominate music consumption, requiring artists to focus on digital marketing and online engagement. In 2024 streaming accounted for 67% of global music revenue.
• Emphasis on Music Video Quality: With Stonebwoy winning Best Music video, the importance of high-quality visuals will only increase. Artists will invest more in creative and visually appealing music videos to capture audience attention.
• Rise of Independent Artists: The success of independent artists will encourage more musicians to take control of their careers, leveraging digital platforms and direct fan engagement.

The Role of Technology

technology will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of ghanaian music. From music production to distribution and marketing, digital tools are empowering artists in unprecedented ways.

Consider these technological impacts:

• AI in Music Production: Artificial intelligence tools are becoming more accessible, aiding in music composition, mixing, and mastering.
• Blockchain for Music Rights: Blockchain technology can definitely help artists manage their music rights and royalties more efficiently, ensuring fair compensation.
• Virtual Concerts: Virtual concerts and live streaming events are becoming more popular, offering artists new ways to connect with fans globally.

Pro Tip: Embrace digital tools and platforms to enhance your music production, distribution, and marketing efforts. Stay updated on the latest technological advancements in the music industry to stay ahead of the curve.

The Impact of Government and Cultural Policies

Government and cultural policies also play a crucial role in shaping the future of Ghanaian music. Support for the arts, copyright protection, and investment in music education can create a thriving ecosystem for musicians.

Key policy considerations include:

• Copyright Enforcement: Strengthening copyright laws and enforcement can protect artists’ intellectual property and ensure they are fairly compensated for their work.
• Music Education: Investing in music education programs can nurture young talent and create a pipeline of skilled musicians.
• Cultural Exchange Programs: Supporting cultural exchange programs can promote Ghanaian music internationally and foster cross-cultural collaboration.

Ghanaian Music: The Global Stage

Ghanaian music is increasingly making its mark on the global stage. Artists like Black Sherif and Stonebwoy have garnered international recognition, paving the way for other Ghanaian musicians. The success of Afrobeats globally has opened doors for Ghanaian artists to reach new audiences and collaborate with international acts.

Did You Know? Afrobeats is not just a genre; it’s a cultural movement. it’s influencing fashion, dance, and lifestyle trends worldwide.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising outlook, Ghanaian musicians face several challenges, including:

• Limited Funding: Access to funding and investment remains a significant hurdle for many artists.
• Piracy: music piracy continues to undermine artists’ earnings and intellectual property rights.
• infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure, such as recording studios and performance venues, can hinder the development of the music industry.

Though, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. By addressing these issues,Ghana can create a more supportive and sustainable ecosystem for its musicians.

analyzing the Award Categories

The categories at the TGMAs offer a structured look at the industry’s diverse segments. Here’s a closer look at what these categories reveal:

• Best New Artist: Spotlights emerging talent,crucial for the industry’s future.
• Songwriter of the Year: Honors the frequently enough-unsung heroes behind the hits, emphasizing the importance of lyrical and musical composition.
• Producer of the Year: Acknowledges the technical expertise and creative input that shape a song’s sound.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Celebrates the legacy of artists who have made significant contributions to Ghanaian music over the years.

The prominence of categories like ‘Best hiplife Song’ and ‘Best Highlife Song’ reveals the importance of celebrating local cultural roots, while the existence of ‘International Collaboration of the Year’ shows how the industry is looking outwards and integrating with the global music scene.

Summarizing Key Data

Here’s a table summarizing awards and their importance for understanding future industry trends:

Award Category	Winner (2025)	Significance
Artiste of the Year	King Promise	Highlights overall impact and popularity.
Best New Artiste	Beeztrap	Indicates emerging talent and future potential.
Collaboration of the Year	KiDi featuring Black Sherif	Reflects the importance of partnerships and cross-genre appeal.
Best Afrobeat Song	Olivetheboy	Underlines the genre’s dominance and global appeal.
Highlife Artiste of the Year	Fameye	Celebrates the resurgence and enduring appeal of traditional Ghanaian music.

Reader Questions to Spark Engagement

• What other genres do you think could see significant growth in Ghana?
• How can Ghanaian artists better leverage digital platforms for international recognition?
• What role should the government play in supporting the Ghanaian music industry?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs)?

The TGMAs are annual awards that recognize and celebrate excellence in Ghanaian music across various genres and categories.

who won Artiste of the Year at the 2025 TGMAs?

King Promise won the Artiste of the Year award at the 2025 TGMAs.

Which genre is currently dominating the Ghanaian music scene?

Afrobeats is currently the dominant genre in the Ghanaian music scene,with artists like Olivetheboy achieving significant success.

How can Ghanaian musicians gain more international recognition?

Ghanaian musicians can gain more international recognition through collaborations with international artists, leveraging digital platforms for promotion, and creating high-quality music videos.

Given the 2025 Telecel ghana Music Awards, what specific strategies, beyond collaborations, do you foresee as crucial for Ghanaian artists to maintain and further their international recognition and commercial success?

Telecel ghana Music Awards: An Interview with Dr. adjoa Nkrumah on Music Industry Trends

The 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) in 2025 has concluded, and as the dust settles, Archyde News editor sat down with Dr. Adjoa Nkrumah, a leading music industry analyst and consultant, to dissect the winners, trends, and what they tell us about the future of Ghanaian music both locally and in the global arena.

Interview: dr. Adjoa Nkrumah on TGMA 2025

Archyde Editor: Dr. Nkrumah, thank you for joining us. The TGMAs are always a highlight. What were your initial impressions of this year’s awards in terms of reflecting the current state of the Ghanaian music scene?

Dr. Nkrumah: Thank you for having me. The 2025 TGMAs certainly mirrored the vibrancy and evolution of Ghana’s music. We saw a great mix of established names,breakthrough artists,and a clear emphasis on Afrobeats,collaborations,and the enduring power of genres like gospel and highlife.

archyde Editor: Absolutely. We saw King Promise take home Artiste of the Year. What indicators from the winners do you think are most predictive of future trends?

Dr. Nkrumah: King Promise’s win, the success of Olivetheboy in Afrobeat, and the Collaboration of the Year award for KiDi and Black Sherif all point to the continued global appeal of Afrobeats and the strategic importance of collaborations. The resurgence of highlife, with Fameye’s win, also signals a revitalisation of indigenous sounds. The continued influence of gospel music indicates that gospel music remains a source of inspiration in Ghana. We might see more fusion of genres in the future. The success of Kweku Smoke in the categories of both Hip Hop and Hiplife, highlights the ongoing evolution of those genres, too.

Archyde Editor: the awards clearly highlighted the power of collaborations.What do these partnerships mean for the wider Ghanaian music landscape?

Dr. Nkrumah: Collaborations are crucial for expanding reach and blending diverse influences.They expose artists to new audiences and create exciting sonic experiences. We’re likely to see more local artists partnering with international stars, leading to cross-cultural exchanges and global recognition.

Archyde Editor: The rise of gospel music with winners like Joe Mettle,and Team Eternity Ghana seems vital. What’s driving that continued influence?

Dr. Nkrumah: gospel music remains a cornerstone of Ghanaian culture. It provides a powerful spiritual message.

its adaptability across styles, especially in contemporary gospel, is key. These artists blend customary themes with modern sounds, ensuring it remains relevant for younger audiences. This is really a testament to the enduring relevance of faith within society.

Archyde Editor: Technology’s impact is undeniable. How is it shaping the future of Ghanaian music, and what should artists be focusing on?

Dr. Nkrumah: Technology offers unprecedented opportunities. artists must embrace digital platforms, invest in high-quality music videos, and master digital marketing. AI in music production, blockchain for rights management, and virtual concerts are all critical areas. The artists who adapt and leverage these tools will thrive.

Archyde Editor: Pirate,funding and infrastructure are persistent challenges. are there opportunities to address these difficulties?

Dr.Nkrumah: Absolutely. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach. Stronger copyright enforcement is paramount. More government support, investment in music education, and improved infrastructure, like recording studios and modern venues, will be vital for sustainable growth. Digital initiatives can aid in reducing piracy, too.

Archyde Editor: With artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif already gaining international recognition, where do you see Ghanaian music heading on the global stage?

Dr. Nkrumah: the global appetite for African music is growing. Ghanaian artists are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this through Afrobeats’ popularity. With smart collaborations, high-quality production, and strategic digital marketing, they can reach wider audiences and forge long-lasting international careers. It’s an exciting time for Ghanaian music.

Archyde Editor: What’s one thing you believe artists and the music industry as a whole need to focus on immediately to ensure continued success?

Dr. Nkrumah: investment in innovative content creation, a focus on high-production quality, and a genuine connection with the global audience.This includes being proactive with digital marketing,streaming platforms,and social platforms. and, of course, collaboration.

Archyde Editor: Dr. Nkrumah, thanks for your insightful comments. This is very informative.

Dr. Nkrumah: My pleasure!

Archyde Editor: Based on Dr. Nkrumah’s analysis, what are some of the most exciting developments you see in the Ghanaian music landscape? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!