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 gospel dynamo, Piesie Esther, has expressed her readiness to take home the Gospel Artiste of the Year, Telecel Most Popular Song of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year awards at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
The musician with many years of success under her belt in the gospel music industry has been nominated for three categories at this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Piesie Esther was nominated for Gospel Artiste of the Year, Traditional Gospel Song of the Year, and Most Popular Song of the Year with her smash hit, Nyame Ye.
The award-winning musician believes that she had a wonderful year in 2025, which deserves recognition.
According to her, with over 36 shows, millions of streams enjoyed by her Nyame Ye song, coupled with numerous brand engagements, she was in a pole position to outwit other competitors.
“Family, I need your love and support now more than ever! I’ve been nominated at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards and we’re going all out for the win! ,” she noted.
She called on all and sundry that “Every single vote counts, and I truly appreciate your continuous support. Let’s do this together.”
This year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards is slated for May 9, 2026 at the Palms Convention Centre in Accra.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Patrons at +233 Bar and Lounge had an unforgettable experience at the OK@50 All White Birthday Party last Saturday, April 18.
The Ghanaian music icon, Okyeame Kwame, turned 50 years last Friday, April 17, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the ‘Rap Dacta’ organised an All-White Party on Saturday to mark his 50th birthday to raise funds for the construction of a Paediatric Emergency Ward at the Manhyia Hospital.
This is a legacy project the musician is embarking on to mark his 50th birthday.
As part of the concert, patrons were treated to scintillating live performances by Afriyie Wutah, Akwaboah, Sista Afia, Kuami Eugene, KiDi, Kwabena Kwabena, Ras Kuuku, Abiana, Adina, Abochi, Kweku Darlington, and Kunta Kinte of Bradez fame.
One of the country’s finest DJs, Andy Dosty, also had his turn to mesmerise the patrons with hits from the past to present, a moment which saw many patrons on their feet for most of the time.
Okyeame Kwame rocked the gathering with numerous hits from his repertoire, including his new song dubbed ‘Clap.’
He also expressed appreciation to those who has genuinely supported his career to impact the lives of others.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
