This year’s nominations tell a story of a shifting industry—one where the “old guard” is fighting harder than ever to stay relevant, while the “new guard” is breaking records before their first anniversary.
1. Artiste of the Year: The “No Libilibi” Showdown
The Requirement: Adjudged by the Academy, Board, and Public as the artiste with the highest audience appeal and popularity. Requires a hit single/album and a strong presence during the 2025 review period.
The Contenders: Medikal, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Wendy Shay, Diana Hamilton.
| Artist | The “Street” Fact (2025) | The Requirement Match |
| Medikal | Filled the Accra Sports Stadium for the Beyond Kontrol concert. | High Appeal: His “Shoulder” dance was the viral pulse of 2025. |
| Black Sherif | Iron Boy album broke streaming records across Africa. | High Popularity: Dominated digital charts and the “Zaama Disco” show. |
| Stonebwoy | Won at the IRAWMA; released the technical masterpiece Torcher. | High Quality: Met the “live performance excellence” criteria perfectly. |
The Analysis: Medikal has made a vocal case for this award, using the catchphrase “No libilibi, no labala” to demand transparency. Historically, filling a stadium (like Medikal did) is the ultimate proof of “Audience Appeal.” In the early 2000s, this was measured by cassette sales; today, it’s about physical “gate” and “stadium power.”
Prediction: Medikal. His dominance on the ground in 2025, coupled with the success of “Shoulder,” makes him the man to beat.
2. Best Rap Performance: Technical Brilliance
The Requirement: For the best rap delivery (flow, rhyme scheme, punchlines) on a song released in the review year.
The Nominees:
- Strongman – “Mensei Da”
- Sarkodie – “Violence”
- Medikal – “Welcome to Africa”
- Lyrical Joe – “5th August 9”
- Ko-Jo Cue – “Abebrese”
The Analysis: This category is for the “lyrical purists.” Sarkodie’s “Violence” is a masterclass in breath control and structure, but Medikal’s “Welcome to Africa” (directed by XBills Ebenezer) showcased a more cinematic and storytelling side of rap that resonated globally in 2025.
Prediction: Sarkodie. While Medikal has the buzz, the Board often rewards the sheer technical “Sark-factor” in this specific category.
3. Best New Artiste & The “Kojo Blak” Phenomenon
The Requirement: The most promising new act to hit the mainstream during the review year.
The Nominees: Kojo Blak, Gonaboy, Lalid, Adom Kiki.
The Fact: Kojo Blak secured a staggering 8 nominations, including “Collaboration of the Year” for his hit “Excellent” with Kelvyn Boy. This level of entry is reminiscent of Black Sherif’s debut year.
Prediction: Kojo Blak. He isn’t just a newcomer; he’s already a “top-tier” player in terms of airplay and production quality.
4. Best Gospel Artiste & Song
The Requirement: Recognition for the most impactful Gospel act and song.
The Contenders: Team Eternity Ghana, Piesie Esther, Diana Hamilton, MOGmusic.
The Analysis: 2025 was the year of Team Eternity Ghana. Their song “Defe Defe” transcended the church and became a “pop” hit, played in clubs and markets alike.
Prediction: Team Eternity Ghana for Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song. However, Piesie Esther remains a favorite for the Artiste category due to her massive touring schedule in 2025.
Lessons for the Industry: Past vs. Present
For Upcoming Musicians: “The Infrastructure Lesson”
In the past (2000–2010), a hit song was enough. Today, you need infrastructure. Look at Kojo Blak; he didn’t just release a song; he released a visual identity (Babs Direction) and high-level collaborations.
Lesson: Don’t just record a song; build a brand that the TGMA Board can’t ignore.
For Older Musicians: “The Sarkodie/Stonebwoy Lesson”
The veterans who are still nominated in 2026 are those who evolved. In the past, highlife and hiplife were rigid. Now, Stonebwoy blends Reggae with Afropop, and Sarkodie experiments with Drill.
Lesson: Your legacy won’t save you from irrelevance; your ability to adapt to new sounds (like the 2025 Amapiano wave) will.
The Historical Shift
Ten years ago, the “Most Popular Song” was decided by radio DJs. In 2026, it is decided by TikTok and the Streets. The rise of King Paluta’s “Foko!” is proof that the “grassroots” now have more power than the “gatekeepers.”
Final Wrap-up: Predictions
- Artiste of the Year: Medikal (The Stadium Factor)
- Most Popular Song: “Foko!” – King Paluta
- Album of the Year: Iron Boy – Black Sherif
- Best New Artiste: Kojo Blak
- Record of the Year: “Chaana” – Samini (Technical Production)
The 2026 TGMA will be a night of vindication for some and a wake-up call for others. As the industry grows, the margin for error shrinks. On May 9, we find out who truly “owns” the culture.
