Entertainment
TGMA introduces ‘swing period’ to ensure fair nominations for late songs
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
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
