26th TGMA: Sarkodie, Black Sherif, Kwesi Arthur Among Top Artistes Who Missed Out on Awards

The 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) held on Saturday night at the Grand Arena in Accra delivered glitz, glamour, and surprises — but none more unexpected than the shutout of several of Ghana’s biggest music stars.

Rap icon Sarkodie, global sensation Black Sherif, and Afro-hip hop talent Kwesi Arthur all left the awards ceremony without a single win, despite earning multiple nominations across major categories.

Fans were particularly stunned at the outcome for Black Sherif, who won the coveted Artiste of the Year in 2023 and was widely expected to pick up at least one award this year. Though nominated in categories like Best Hip Hop Song and Most Popular Song, he was edged out by rising acts and newer entries in Ghana's evolving music landscape.

Sarkodie, a two-time Artiste of the Decade recipient and perennial nominee, also saw a complete shutout, marking one of the few TGMA ceremonies where he left empty-handed. Many music lovers expressed their shock on social media, with some describing his loss as a "wake-up call" for industry legends amid a shifting audience preference.

Meanwhile, Kwesi Arthur, who enjoyed massive airplay with singles like “Penny” and “Yard,” similarly failed to clinch any awards, despite being recognized for his lyrical delivery and consistent presence in Ghana’s urban music scene.

Critics and fans alike have since taken to social media to discuss what the snubs might mean. Some have attributed the outcomes to a new wave of artistes dominating the space, such as King Promise, Stonebwoy, and OliveTheBoy, who made big wins during the night.

Music analyst Nana Yaw Mensah believes the shutouts reflect a generational shift in music consumption. “The fans are beginning to gravitate more toward newer voices. Legacy acts need to innovate or risk losing the spotlight,” he said.

Despite the surprises, the night was a celebration of Ghanaian music excellence, with electrifying performances and a renewed focus on diversity and emerging talent.

As the TGMA continues to evolve, the message is clear — no name is too big to be overlooked, and Ghana’s music scene remains as competitive as ever