Telecel Ghana Music Awards 2026: Black Sherif Takes 5 Trophies
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre lit up for the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA 27), Ghana’s most prestigious night of musical excellence. Organized under MUSIGA and produced by Charterhouse, the star-studded ceremony blended glitz, glamour, and raw talent, with electrifying performances, a buzzing red carpet, and a clear message: Ghanaian music is thriving on both local and global stages. While the night celebrated genre diversity, from highlife anthems to international dancehall remixes, the undisputed story was Black Sherif’s commanding dominance, proving once again that authentic storytelling and cultural resonance still reign supreme in a crowded industry.
The 24-year-old Kumasi-born rapper and singer walked away with five major trophies, including the coveted Artiste of the Year (his second win, making him the youngest two-time recipient) and Album/EP of the Year for his project Iron Boy. His victories in Hip-Hop Song, Afropop Song, and Songwriter of the Year underscored a breakout year fueled by massive streaming numbers and emotional depth that resonates across generations. Medikal wasn’t far behind, snatching four awards including Most Popular Song and Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, while veterans like Stonebwoy (10th Reggae/Dancehall crown) and Kofi Kinaata kept their legacies intact. Newcomer Kojo Blak’s Best New Artiste win signaled fresh blood injecting energy into Afrobeats, and Daddy Lumba’s Lifetime Achievement Award brought the house down with well-earned reverence.
What made TGMA 2026 special was the celebration of Ghana’s sonic identity in a global context. International collaborations shone brightly, and genre-blending tracks like MOLIY’s “Shake It To The Max” remix highlighted how Ghanaian artists are exporting culture while importing influences. The night reaffirmed TGMA’s role as the ultimate barometer of the industry: not just about streams or hype, but about impact, artistry, and community.
Full List of Winners – 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA 2026)
Major Awards
- Artiste of the Year: Black Sherif
- Album/EP of the Year: Iron Boy – Black Sherif
- Record of the Year: “Enso Nyame Y3” – Kwabena Kwabena
- Songwriter of the Year: “Sacrifice” – Black Sherif
- Most Popular Song of the Year: “Shoulder” – Medikal ft. Shatta Wale & Beeztrap KOTM
- Best New Artiste: Kojo Blak
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Daddy Lumba
- Music for Good: “Crox it Out (Breast Cancer)” – Lali x Lola
- Best Group: Keche
Genre & Performance Categories
- Hiplife Song of the Year: “Shoulder” – Medikal ft. Shatta Wale & Beeztrap KOTM
- Highlife Song of the Year: “It Is Finished” – Kofi Kinaata
- Hip-Hop Song of the Year: “Where Dem Boys” – Black Sherif
- Afropop Song of the Year: “Sacrifice” – Black Sherif
- Afrobeats Song of the Year: “Excellent” – Kojo Blak ft. Kelvyn Boy
- Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year: “Shake It To The Max (Remix)” – MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy
- Best African Song: “With You” – Davido ft. Omah Lay
- Best Collaboration of the Year: “Shoulder” – Medikal ft. Shatta Wale & Beeztrap KOTM
- Best International Collaboration of the Year: “Shake It To The Max (Remix)” – MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng & Silent Addy
Artiste & Vocal Categories
- Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste: Medikal
- Best Highlife Artiste: Kofi Kinaata
- Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste: Wendy Shay
- Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste: Stonebwoy
- Best Gospel Artiste: Diana Hamilton
- Best Male Vocal Performance: “Akoma” – Asiama
- Best Female Vocal Performance: “Amin” – Enam
- Best Rap Performance: “Mensei Da” – Strongman
Technical & Other Categories
- Producer of the Year: A’town (for “Shoulder”)
- Audio Engineer of the Year: Daniel Grüll (for “Enso Nyame Y3”)
- Best Music Video: “Put Am on God” – AratheJay (directed by David Duncan)
- Best Traditional Gospel Song: “Nyame Ye” – Piesie Esther
- Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song: “Big God Afro” – Kofi Owusu Peprah
In an era of algorithm-driven virality, TGMA rewarded substance: vulnerable lyrics, cultural pride, and cross-generational appeal. Medikal’s street energy, Kofi Kinaata’s highlife revival, and rising stars like Kojo Blak and MOLIY prove Ghanaian music refuses to be boxed in. As the dust settles on another unforgettable night, the future of Ghana’s sound is brighter, bolder, and more globally relevant than ever. TGMA 2026 was a victory lap for an industry that continues to define African music on its own terms.
