For 26 years, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has been more than just a ceremony; it has been a cultural moment. Every year, it stirs national conversation, brings fans to the edge of their seats, and crowns an artist whose work has shaped Ghana’s soundscape. And no category attracts more debate, passion, and pride than Artist of the Year.
This year’s race is a three-way showdown among Stonebwoy, King Promise, and King Paluta. Each artist arrives with a different vibe, distinct achievements, and a solid fan base that believes their favourite deserves the crown. But only one will walk away with the honour.
King Paluta
King Paluta’s journey has been the definition of a grassroots rise. With hits like Makoma and Aseda, he delivered music that resonated deeply with ordinary Ghanaians.
His songs are personal yet powerful, equally at home on Sunday mornings as they are in bustling marketplaces. In a year filled with noise, Paluta offered clarity and heart.
His story mirrors the streets, and for many, that authenticity counts for everything. Some may question whether his influence travels far beyond Ghana’s borders, but few can deny the cultural weight he’s carried this year.
King Promise
King Promise, on the other hand, represents finesse and quiet consistency. With bangers like Terminator, Paris, and Continental, he’s ruled the airwaves not just in Ghana but across Africa and beyond.
His performances have wowed audiences from Lagos to London, and his style continues to shape the Afrobeats movement. After years of falling just short, his fans believe this is the year he finally gets his flowers.
A win would be a full-circle moment, placing him alongside his peers Kuami Eugene and KiDi, and affirming his place at the top of Ghana’s music scene.
Stonebwoy
Then there’s Stonebwoy, the living legend with nothing to prove, yet everything to claim. Fresh off his 2024 Artiste of the Year win, Stonebwoy didn’t rest.
He dropped Up&Runnin9, an album bursting with international features and sonic diversity. From the local favorite Jejereje to his unforgettable set at London’s O2 Arena, Stonebwoy proved he’s not just relevant, he is elite.
If he wins again, he will make history as the only artist to win three times, and the first to ever win it back-to-back. That would be more than a victory; it would be a statement of dominance.
Of course, this year’s race isn’t without its dark horses. Joe Mettle continues to be a powerful gospel force with a devoted following. Kweku Smoke’s growing popularity, especially among the youth, could shake things up. And even though Black Sherif has been quieter, his reputation alone makes him a threat. Team Eternity Ghana’s rise in the gospel scene is also turning heads and hearts, hinting at a potential upset.
In the end, TGMA 2025 is more than just a music awards show, it is a mirror of the culture, a reflection of the sounds that shaped the year, and a battle for legacy. Will King Paluta’s street anthems lead him to the throne? Will King Promise finally break the runner-up curse? Or will Stonebwoy etch his name in the history books once more?
The fans are hyped, the conversations are intense, and the stakes? Higher than ever. Ghana is watching, and only one king will rise.
