On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre[AICC] will host the most prestigious event on the Ghanaian music scene calendar, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards [TGMA]
This year’s event, which is the 25th edition, has brought intense reactions from music enthusiasts about who wins what on the night.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the biggest announcement on the night – which is the ‘Artiste Of The Year’. Yes, the ‘Artiste of the Year’ – the coveted top prize on the night has always sparked passionate debates among fans and this year’s edition is no exception.
The excitement has reached a fever pitch, with supporters of each nominee championing their favourites. But what exactly makes an artiste worthy of this prestigious accolade?
The Criteria for Artiste of the Year
The Artiste of the Year is not just any title; it represents an artiste’s dominance in the music industry in the year under review.
The award is given to the artiste who has won the hearts of the public and gained the approval of the academy and board. This artiste must have released chart-topping music and received significant nominations throughout the year.
This Year’s Nominees
This year’s star-studded nominee list includes Black Sherif, King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Nacee, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy. However, the race appears to be a thrilling duel between King Promise and Stonebwoy.
This article focuses on why one of these iconic musicians deserves to be crowned ‘Artiste Of The Year’
Stonebwoy’s Stellar Year
Known in real life as Livingstone Sekletse, Stonebwoy who received the highest nominations [11] has had a remarkable year, marked by a series of high-profile collaborations that have reverberated across the music world. Some of his standout features include:
I. Bob Marley ft. Stonebwoy – “Buffalo Soldier” (refix)
II. King Cruff ft. Stonebwoy – “Shedoeneed”
III.Beenie Man ft. Stonebwoy – “Zimm”
IV. Kidi ft. Stonebwoy – “Likor”
V. Fameye ft. Stonebwoy – “Not God” remix
VI. Morgan Heritage ft. Stonebwoy – “Who Deh Like”
VII.10tik ft. Stonebwoy – “Vibes of the Night”
VIII.Bisa Kdei ft. Stonebwoy – “Part”
IX. Jah Cure ft. Stonebwoy – “Everything”
X- Mishasha ft. Stonebwoy – “Papab”
XI- Jhasy ft. Stonebwoy – “Muchacha”
XII- Camidoh ft. Stonebwoy – “Brown”
His live performances have been equally impressive, lighting up stages at events such as Ibiza Festival, Central University SRC Week, 3FM All White Party, Festive Festival, Bhim Concert 2023, TECNO CAMON 20 Launch, and many more. His presence and energy have made him a staple in both local and international music scenes.
King Promise’s Global Domination
King Promise, who received five nominations, on the other hand, has enchanted the music world with his infectious hit “Terminator,” which has dominated charts and streaming platforms globally. The song’s achievements are nothing short of phenomenal:
I. Number one on Boomplay Africa for eight weeks
II. Trending in Indonesia (number one for six weeks)
II. 27.4 million streams on Spotify
III. 16 million streams on Apple Music
IV.46.1 million streams on Boomplay
V.30.6 million streams on Audiomack
“Terminator” also soared on various charts, peaking at Number 8 on the official Afrobeat Chart in the UK, sixth on the official Nigeria charts, 2nd on YouTube Nigeria; Number 54 on the global Shazam charts and number 6 on South Korea Deezer.
Born Gregory Bortey, King Promise’s monthly listeners on Spotify peaked at 3.5 million, setting a record for any Ghanaian artist in 2023. He also clinched the ‘Best Male West Africa’ award at the Afrimmas.
His other hits, “Perfect Combi” and “Naana,” have further cemented his status with millions of streams.
King Promise’s live performances have taken him around the globe, headlining events such as:
I.DMV Party in the Park
II. Afrobeats Fest in New Jersey
III.King Promise Live in New York
IV. Reggae Lake Festival in Rotterdam
V.Afrobeats Festival in Germany
VI.King Promise Live in Rwanda
VII.Best of Kampala in Uganda
VIII.Google Know Africa
IX.The Plug Block Party in Lagos and Abuja
X.King Promise and Mastercard Champions League Show
XI.Tidal Rave
XII. Promiseland Festival
To crown his achievements in the year under review, the ‘ Paris’ crooner mesmerised Asia with his ‘Asian Tour’ – where he performed in Singapore, Bali and Indonesia.
The Final Showdown
With such remarkable achievements in the year under review by these iconic Ghanaian artistes, the burning question remains: Who will emerge as the Artiste of the Year?
The nominees are ready, the stage is set, and the Grand Arena has the answer!
