Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artiste Afro Ages has sparked fresh debate around the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, urging organisers to adopt a more inclusive and research-driven approach to nominations.
In a strongly worded social media post, the artiste called on the awards board to prioritize regional representation and create opportunities for emerging talents across the country. He argued that the long-term relevance of the scheme depends on its ability to balance recognition between established acts and rising stars.
“TGMA should by now make an effort to gradually introduce new potential artistes into the scene by conducting extensive regional research to make the awards more exciting,” he stated.
Afro Ages also raised concerns about the Reggae/Dancehall category, which he believes has become predictable due to the recurring presence of the same nominees. According to him, this limits competition and sidelines deserving artistes who could benefit from national exposure.
To address the issue, he proposed expanding the category to accommodate more nominees, suggesting a blend of mainstream and underground acts to enhance diversity and competitiveness.
Citing examples, he mentioned artistes such as Epixode, Shatta Rako, Blakk Rasta, David Oscar, and Larruso as talents he believes have been overlooked.
Beyond nominations, the artiste questioned the current evaluation criteria, urging organisers to move beyond metrics such as streaming numbers and popularity. He advocated for a more comprehensive system that considers artistic quality, originality, and regional impact.
Afro Ages further proposed the introduction of a “Best Artiste on a Regional Basis” category to spotlight hidden talents nationwide and better reflect the diversity of Ghana’s music industry.
He emphasized that such reforms would not only celebrate established names but also provide a platform for emerging artistes from all regions to gain recognition and contribute to the growth of the industry.
