The Ghana Music Awards, now known as Telcel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) after switching from Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) has long been a prestigious platform celebrating the diversity and talent within the Ghanaian music industry.
The award scheme had its inception in 1999, and since then, the event has been organized by Charter House. The main purpose of the award scheme has been to recognize and honour the contributions of Ghanaian musicians toward the advancement and enrichment of the nation’s music landscape.
One of the most coveted awards categories at the ceremony is the Artist of the Year, which is what we are looking at in this particular article. The Artist Of The Year category honors the individual or group that has made the most significant impact on the Ghanaian music scene throughout the year.
The early years saw the dominance of highlife and hip-life artists, with pioneers like Akyeame, Daddy Lumba, and Lord Kenya setting the stage for future generations. The first award in that category was won by Akyeame in 1999, Raggae/dancehall recording artist, Stonebwoy currently holds the title after emerging as winner of the category at the just-ended 2024 TGMAs.
Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Year winners from 1999-2024
Here’s a look at the illustrious winners of the Artist of the Year award over the past 25 years
1. Akyeame (Quophi Okyeame and Okyeame Kwame) – 1999
The duo of Okyeame Quophi and Okyeame Quame, collectively known as Akyeame, claimed the inaugural Artist of the Year award in 1999. With their unique blend of hip-life music, they captivated audiences and set the stage for future artists to follow.
2. Daddy Lumba – 2000
Daddy Lumba, a household name in Ghanaian highlife music, took home the Artist of the Year award in 2000. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics endeared him to fans across the nation, solidifying his status as a music icon.
3. Kojo Antwi – 2001
Another Ghanaian legendary singer from the Highlife genre, Kojo Antwi, born with his legal name, Julius Kojo Antwi also known as “Mr. Music Man” became the third musician in the country’s history to win the Artist of the Year award in the 3rd edition
4. Lord Kenya – 2002
Lord Kenya, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic stage presence, was crowned Artist of the Year in 2002. His influence on the hip-life genre cannot be overstated, as he paved the way for future generations of artists.
5. Kontihene – 2003
Kontihene’s win in 2003 marked a turning point in his career, propelling him to the forefront of the Ghanaian music scene. His innovative style and energetic performances earned him widespread acclaim and recognition
6. V.I.P (Vision In Progress) – 2004
VVIP, formerly known as VIP (Vision In Progress), a Ghanaian Hiplife music group made up of Zeal, formerly known as Lazzy (Abdul Hamid Ibrahim), Prodigal (Joseph Nana Ofori) and Reggie Rockstone (Reginald Ossei) were crowned winners in 2004.
7. Obour – 2005
Born with his legal name Bice Osei Kuffour, a Ghanaian hiplife musician, known popularly by the name Obour who was a former president of the Musicians Union of Ghana, was crowned as the winner of the category in 2005.
8. Ofori Amponsah – 2006
Samuel Ofori Amponsah also known by the name Mr. All 4 Real, is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter, regarded as one of Ghana’s best 21st-century highlife musicians. Ofori won the category in 2006.
9. Batman Samini – 2007
African dance hall musician, Emmanuel Andrews Sammini known by his stage name Samini (formerly as Batman Samini) was the winner of the Artist of the Year category in 2007.
10. Kwaw Kese – 2008
Kwaw Kese’s back-to-back win in 2008 solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in Ghanaian music. His versatility and innovation continued to impress audiences and critics alike.
11. Okyeame Kwame – 2009
Okyeame Kwame’s win in 2009 celebrated his musical prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence. As a pioneer of the hip-life genre, he paved the way for future generations of Ghanaian artists.
12. Sarkodie – 2010
Sarkodie‘s meteoric rise to fame culminated in his win as Artist of the Year in 2010. With his clever wordplay and infectious energy, he captivated audiences and solidified his status as one of Ghana’s most beloved musicians.
13. VIP – 2011
V.I.P’s continued popularity and influence secured them their second win in the category in 2011.
14. Sarkodie – 2012
Africa’s most decorated rapper, born with his legal name Michael Owusu Addo aka Sarkodie once again took the title for the second time as the Artist of the Year in 2012.
15. R2Bees – 2013
R2Bees, comprised of Faisal Hakeem and Rashid Mugeez, claimed the Artist of the Year award in 2013. With their infectious beats and catchy hooks, they captivated audiences and solidified their status as one of Ghana’s top musical acts.
16. Shatta Wale – 2014
Shatta Wale’s win in 2014 marked a triumphant moment in his career, recognizing his immense talent and contribution to the Ghanaian music industry. Known for his energetic performances and larger-than-life persona, he quickly became a household name.
17. Stonebwoy – 2015
Ghanaian raggae and dancehall recording artiste, Stonebwoy, won his first Artiste of the Year win in 2015 after Wale’s win in 2014 with his soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, he captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and solidified his status as a musical icon.
18. EL – 2016
Ghanaian singer, producer, and rapper E.L, born as Elom Adablah with his versatility and innovation as an artist known for his eclectic sound and dynamic stage presence took over as the winner in 2016 after Stonebwoy, aka 1Gad.
19. Joe Mettle – 2017
Joe Mettle winning the Artist of the Year award made history as the first gospel artist to win in 2017, with his uplifting and soul-stirring performances.
20. Ebony – 2018
The late Ebony Reigns posthumously won in 2018, her bold and fearless music continuing to inspire many.
Annulled – 2019
In 2019, the winner for the category was not announced following the issues between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale that night that led to gun appearing on stage.
21. Kuami Eugene – 2020
Kuami Eugene’s win in 2020 celebrated his dynamic talent and infectious energy that captured the hearts of many.
22. Diana Hamilton – 2021
Diana Hamilton’s victory in 2021 marked a milestone for gospel music, with her powerful and uplifting songs touching millions, she became the seond gospel musician to win the award in the category.
23. KiDi – 2022
KiDi’s win in 2022 highlighted his innovative blend of traditional Ghanaian sounds with modern pop and R&B.
24. Black Sherif – 2023
Black Sherif’s emotive voice and compelling storytelling earned him the title in 2023, resonating deeply with audiences.
25. Stonebwoy 2024
Raggae, and Dancehall recording icon, Stonebwoy won his second Artist of the Year category awards at the TGMA’s, 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, and is the current holder of the title.
