ACCRA, Ghana, May 11, 2025 — The 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) wrapped up an evening of high drama and celebration at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, honoring the country’s most outstanding musical talents across diverse genres and categories. In a night that blended vibrant performances with moments of poignant recognition, established stars and rising artists alike took home coveted trophies, underscoring Ghana’s dynamic music scene.

A Night of Triumphs and Firsts

King Promise, the Grammy-nominated Afropop sensation, clinched the evening’s top honor, Artiste of the Year, edging out contenders including Stonebwoy, Black Sherif and veteran Joe Mettle. His win capped off a remarkable awards run — he also secured the Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste and Best Afropop Song awards for “Paris,” while his project True to Self was named Album/EP of the Year.

Reggae/Dancehall titan Stonebwoy added to his storied legacy by claiming Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste for a record-equalling tenth time and Best Reggae/Dancehall Song for “Psalm 23,” reinforcing his status as a genre mainstay.

In a heartfelt moment, gospel luminary Yaw Sarpong was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his decades-long influence on Ghana’s musical heritage.

Rising Stars and Breakout Acts

Midnight buzz surrounded Unsung Artiste of the Year winner Yaw Darling, whose fusion of highlife and modern rhythms has propelled him into the national spotlight. Newcomer Beeztrap KOTM secured New Artiste of the Year, validating his rapid ascent since bursting onto the scene last season.

Producer Khendi Beats, celebrated for his work on King Paluta’s “Aseda,” was named Producer of the Year, while songwriter Kofi Kinaata took home Songwriter of the Year for “Saman”.

Outstanding Vocal and Visual Achievements

Veteran Joe Mettle’s stirring performance on “Obo Awan Oba” earned him Best Male Vocal Performance, and rising gospel star Esther Godwyll was feted as Best Female Vocal Performance for “I Choose To Praise”. The visual arts were not overlooked: Stonebwoy’s “Jejereje” was honored as Best Music Video, directed by Banini.

Full List of Winners

Below is the complete roster of winners for the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards:

• Artiste of the Year: King Promise

• Best Hiplife/HipHop Artiste of the Year: Kweku Smoke

• New Artiste of the Year: Beeztrap KOTM

• Best Hiplife Song: “Bad Feeling” (Tulenkey)

• Best Highlife Artist: Fameye

• Best Gospel Artiste: Joe Mettle

• Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste: King Promise

• Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste: Stonebwoy

• Unsung Artiste of the Year: Yaw Darling

• Album/EP of the Year: True to Self (King Promise)

• Best Highlife Song: “Aseda” (King Paluta)

• Best Hiphop Song: “Holy Ghost” (Kweku Smoke)

• Best Afrobeats Song: “Asylum” (OliveTheBoy)

• Best Music Video: “Jejereje” (Stonebwoy)

• Best Afropop Song: “Paris” (King Promise)

• Best Traditional Gospel Song: “Watch Me” (Empress Gifty)

• Best Urban Gospel Song: “Defe Defe” (Team Eternity Ghana)

• Best Group: Team Eternity Ghana

• International Collaboration of the Year: “The Doing of the Lord” (Diana Hamilton)

• Best African Song: “Tshwalabam” (Burna Boy, TitoM & Yuppe)

• Best Reggae/Dancehall Song: “Psalm 23” (Stonebwoy)

• Best Collaboration of the Year: “Lomo Lomo” (KiDi feat. Black Sherif)

• Best Female Vocal Performance: “I Choose To Praise” (Esther Godwyll)

• Best Male Vocal Performance: “Obo Awan Oba” (Joe Mettle)

• Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year: “Asylum” (OliveTheBoy)

• Best Rap Performance: “Holy Ghost” (Kweku Smoke)

• Best Songwriter of the Year: “Saman” (Kofi Kinaata)

• Record of the Year: “Can I Live” (Ayisi)

• Producer of the Year: Khendi Beats (“Aseda” by King Paluta)

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Yaw Sarpong

Looking Ahead

As Ghana’s music industry continues its global ascent, the TGMA 2025 winners stand poised to carry the nation’s creative torch forward. From seasoned icons to burgeoning talents, this year’s honorees exemplify the rich tapestry of sound shaping Ghana’s—and Africa’s—musical future.