Music deserves to be celebrated, especially in a country like Ghana, where it has been a cornerstone of culture since ancient times. From the migratory days of Ghanaian tribes, weaving stories through rhythm and song, to the vibrant beats of modern-day Accra, music has thrived as the heartbeat of our nation.
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), formerly the Ghana Music Awards, stands as the nation’s premier music event, honouring outstanding artistry for 26 years. Its consistency is commendable, a shining beacon for anyone who follows the awards. Yet, on music’s biggest night, the celebration feels incomplete.
Music is more than just the sounds we hear, it’s the beat maker crafting the rhythm, the producer shaping the vibe, the video director painting the visuals, and, crucially, the dancers whose body movements bring it all to life.
At the TGMAs, categories like Best Music Video, Producer of the Year, Best Video Director, and Audio Engineer of the Year (introduced in 2024) rightfully honour key contributors to music. It’s inspiring to see these roles celebrated on Ghana’s grandest stage, acknowledging the intricate layers that make our music resonate. But one vital force remains overlooked: dancers!!!
Their dynamic routines breathe life into songs, carrying Ghanaian sounds to global audiences, yet they receive no formal recognition. It’s not enough to invite them to present awards or perform on stage, their relentless creativity and impact deserve a dedicated TGMA award to truly honour their role in music’s global rise.
Do I need to say names? Must I remind you of the iconic dance routines crafted by talents like Dancegod Lloyd and his DGL Academy, Or the electrifying energy of DWP academy with stars like Big Kumz, Lisa Kwama, and Champion Rollie? Oh!, the choreography of Incredible Zigi. These dancers don’t just move,they tell stories, amplify emotions, and transform songs into cultural movements.
From the viral Azonto steps that swept the globe to the intricate routines in Afrobeats videos that dominate YouTube,TikTok,Facebook and other socials, dancers are the unsung heroes who make Ghanaian music a visual and emotional spectacle. Their absence from the TGMA award categories is a glaring oversight, a missed opportunity to celebrate the full spectrum of what makes our music extraordinary.
Dancers are not mere accessories, they are storytellers, ambassadors of our culture, carrying the spirit of Ghana to audiences worldwide. Yet, when the TGMA stage lights up each year, they are left in the shadows, invited to perform but never to receive the accolades they deserve.
Why does this matter? Because dancers are the bridge between sound and soul, the visual pulse that makes Ghanaian music unforgettable. They are the ones who turn a beat into a movement, a song into a phenomenon. Think of the global impact of dances like Kupe or the Gwara Gwara, which transcended borders and made African music a universal language.
Dance routines made from songs like King Promise’s “terminator,” Stonebwoy’s “Apotheke,” do you remember Kelvinboy’s downflat? Lasmid’s Olivia has remained popular by virtue of the dance routine created for it. I guess these are enough to advocate for dancers to be properly recognised, and what better way than on Ghana’s biggest music awards night .
In Ghana, dancers like those in DWP Academy have created routines that dominate social media, inspiring millions to move to our rhythms. They are not just supporting acts, they are innovators, creators, and cultural pioneers who deserve their moment in the spotlight.
The TGMA board has shown it can evolve, introducing categories like Audio Engineer of the Year to reflect the industry’s growth. So why not a Best Choreography or Best Dance Performance award? Such a category would not only honour dancers but also inspire the next generation to push the boundaries of creativity. It would acknowledge the sweat, precision, and artistry that go into every routine, from the rehearsal studios to the global stages where Ghanaian music shines.
Imagine a TGMA night where Afronita or the Millitant dance crew, steps up to accept an award, their names etched in history alongside singers and producers. That’s the celebration music deserves,a complete one.
This is a call to the TGMA board, to Charterhouse, to all who cherish Ghanaian music: give dancers their flowers. It’s long overdue. Let’s make music’s biggest night a true reflection of its soul, where every contributor,from the vocalist to the choreographer,is celebrated. The world is watching, dancing to our beats. Let’s show them that in Ghana, we honor everyone who makes the music move.
