Entertainment
TGMA introduces ‘Swing Period’ policy to recognise late-year releases
The Board of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has introduced a new “Swing Period” policy aimed at ensuring songs released late in the year receive fair consideration for nominations.
The new policy, introduced in the 27th edition of the awards, allows songs released in December to be considered in the following awards year if they meet specific eligibility requirements.
According to the organizers, a song must have been released in December of the eligibility year, must have demonstrated measurable impact within the year under review, and must not have received a nomination in the previous edition of the awards.
The Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse Productions, Robert Klah, explained in a statement that the decision followed three years of consultations with stakeholders in the music industry.
He said the policy reflects the scheme’s commitment to ensuring that songs with strong impact are not disadvantaged simply because they were released late in the year.
Under the newly introduced policy, two songs have received nominations in the 27th edition of the awards.
They are “Messiah” by Sarkodie featuring Kweku Flick, and “Excellent” by Kojo Blak featuring Kelvyn Boy.
The board said both songs gained significant attention and audience engagement after their release, making them suitable examples of the situation the Swing Period policy seeks to address.
According to the organizers, the new approach is part of efforts to ensure the awards continue to recognize excellence in Ghanaian music while adapting to changes in the industry.
They noted that with evolving music release patterns, digital consumption trends and global audience dynamics, the awards scheme will continue to refine its processes to maintain credibility while ensuring deserving works receive recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
THE Board of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has introduced a new ‘Swing Period’ policy aimed at ensuring songs released late in the year are fairly assessed for nominations.
The policy, applied for the first time in the 27th edition of the awards, allows songs released in December to be considered in the following year’s awards cycle if they meet specific eligibility criteria.
A statement released by the TGMA Board said, “To qualify, a song must have been released in December of the eligibility year, shown measurable impact during the period under review and not received a nomination in the previous awards cycle.”
It added that the decision follows three years of consultations with industry stakeholders and seeks to address concerns that late-year releases often gain traction too slowly to compete in their release year.
Under the new framework, two December releases secured nominations in the 27th TGMA: ‘Messiah’ by Sarkodie featuring Kweku Flick and ‘Excellent’ by Kojo Blakk featuring Kelvyn Boy.
TGMA Board stressed that the policy was intended to ensure the scheme reflects industry trends as music release patterns shift with digital consumption and changing audience behaviour.
They added that the awards body would continue refining its processes to uphold credibility and recognise impactful work across Ghana’s music landscape. -GNA
FEMALE songstress, Sefadzi Abena Amesu, popularly known as Sefa has called on stakeholders in Creative Arts Industry, fellow artistes to support and rally behind female artistes.
According to her, this would increase the need for equal opportunities, increased visibility and stronger support systems to help them thrive.
The ‘echoke’ hitmaker stated that though both male and female artistes were contributing immensely in the entertainment industry, the limelight and support is on the males, making it difficult for the females to break through.
Sefa however, stated that a lot of female artistes were going through challenges and are unable to open up because they are not giving the needed support.
She explained that accomplishments by male musicians often receive greater publicity, while similar successes by female artistes frequently go underreported.
“Now the support in the industry is okay as compared to the time past. I think we can do better as an industry by supporting us.”
Sefa cited how a concert hosted by Wendy Shay did not receive the level of attention, adding that females in the entertainment need that attention most.
“If we can help each other, it will be great because we can’t let people from other places praise us” she added.
Sefa started her music career as a singer performing with live bands at bars, pubs and events in Accra.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
