Award-winning rapper Okyeame Kwame is calling for increased recognition of instrumentalists in Ghana’s music industry, urging organisers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) to expand award categories dedicated to live musicians.
Speaking on Hitz Daybreak, the rapper stressed that instrumentalists and live performers play a critical role in crafting the music audiences enjoy, yet receive limited recognition compared to headline artistes.
“The music that we make, to be honest, is being curated by producers and live musicians. They do more of the work than we take for the award,” he said.
Currently, the scheme [TGMA] largely recognises live performers under a single category, but Okyeame Kwame believes that is not enough.
He proposed the introduction of multiple categories to honour specific instrumental roles.
“I think instead of just one award for live musician, there should be one for saxophonist of the year, one for lead guitarist, one for drummer, and even backing vocalists (BVs) separately,” he suggested.
According to him, expanding these categories would not only acknowledge the contributions of instrumentalists but also motivate them to excel.
“It is very important that we encourage the real musicians who are creating the music for us, the artistes, to shine. They must also be recognised,” he added.
When asked whether he had pushed for such changes during his time as a board member of the awards scheme, the rapper admitted he could not confirm if he formally made the proposal.
“Yes, once or twice… I think twice,” he said, adding, “Maybe. I also love live music.”
Okyeame Kwame further linked his longevity in the music industry to his commitment to live performance.
“Sometimes people ask me why I’m still relevant, why I’m still performing week after week. It is because I play live music,” he noted.
