The 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) may have delivered on its promise to celebrate musical excellence, but when it came to fashion, the red carpet left much to be desired, according to fashion publicist Faith Senam Ocloo.

In a candid review of the eve­ning’s fashion, Ocloo expressed disappointment at the overall styling and presentation of many of the night’s attendees, noting that only a handful truly em­braced the glamour and creativity expected on such a major plat­form.

Ms Ocloo said this in an inter­view with The Spectator Agoro in Accra last week.

“The overall fashion at this year’s TGMA was a little disap­pointing, honestly, we had very few great looks on the night com­pared to the number that didn’t look red carpet-worthy.”

While acknowledging the efforts of some talents who exhibit­ed thoughtful styling and clear fashion direction, Ocloo criticised the majority for playing it safe or failing to deliver cohesive, well-executed outfits.

She pointed out that despite years of public scrutiny, many industry players still fall short in their red carpet presentation.

“This is the biggest night for Ghana’s music industry, and I would expect people to show up really fashionable,” she said.

According to Ms Ocloo, although there is growing interest in bold fashion statements, the local industry still lacks the robust styling, grooming, and creative direction needed to elevate fash­ion standards at such high-profile events.

She highlighted Empress Gifty, Fella Makafui, and Piesie Esther as among the few who stood out with polished yet safe looks, add­ing that while they were not “out of this world,” they managed to pull off strong fashion moments.

Ms Ocloo also drew comparisons with other continental events, particularly the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), which she praised for building a strong fashion ecosystem involv­ing stylists, designers, glam teams, and the media.

“What the TGMA is currently lacking is that sense of intentionality and coordination,” she said. “We need to treat our award shows as platforms for creative storytelling, not just appearances.”

She further empha­sised the need for deeper investments in fashion education, bet­ter collaboration with local designers, and a red carpet culture that prioritises individual­ity and excellence.

Reflecting on the night, Ocloo acknowledged the significance of the awards in spotlighting musical talent but noted that the event’s production and fashion execution still have room for improvement.

“It’s a reflection of the broad­er creative economy – we’re still on the path. But with more collaboration between music, fashion, and media, the TGMA can become a truly iconic night for Ghanaian pop culture,” she con­cluded.