Accra, Ghana – May 9, 2026 – The Grand Arena in Accra buzzed with excitement on Saturday night as the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) celebrated Ghana’s vibrant music scene. Black Sherif was crowned Artiste of the Year for the second year running, leading a night of stellar performances and well-deserved accolades. The event recognized outstanding achievements across various genres, highlighting the dynamic evolution of Ghanaian music.
Black Sherif’s Dominance Continues
Black Sherif cemented his status as a leading force in Ghanaian music by winning the coveted Artiste of the Year award. This marks his second consecutive win in the top category, underscoring a period of significant artistic and commercial success.
The ‘Iron Boy’ hitmaker’s triumph was built on a foundation of a record-breaking year on international streaming platforms. His ‘Iron Boy’ album also secured the Album/EP of the Year award, showcasing his consistent impact.
Black Sherif’s overall haul for the night was an impressive five awards, demonstrating his widespread appeal and critical acclaim.
Medikal’s Strong Showing
The night was also defined by a notable rivalry, particularly between Black Sherif and rapper Medikal. Medikal emerged as a strong contender, securing four major awards.
He reclaimed his title as the Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, a testament to his enduring presence in the genre. Medikal also won Best Collaboration for the widely popular track ‘Shoulder,’ featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap Kotm.
Other Notable Winners
Several other artists were recognized for their contributions. Kofi Kinaata, known for his ‘Highlife Confession’ hits, took home two awards.
Moliy also celebrated a successful night, earning two trophies, including International Collaboration of the Year for the ‘Shake It To The Max’ remix. Her international work, featuring Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy, resonated globally.
Genre-Specific Achievements
The awards ceremony highlighted the diversity of Ghanaian music. In the Rap category, Lyrical Joe’s ‘5th August 9’ earned him the Best Rap Performance award, while Black Sherif’s ‘WHERE DEM BOYS’ won Best HipHop Song.
The Highlife genre saw Kofi Kinaata’s ‘It is finished’ take the Best Highlife Song award. For Reggae/Dancehall, Moliy’s ‘Shake It To The Max Rmx’ was recognized as the Best Reggae/Dancehall Song.
Afrobeats and Afropop categories were also competitive. Kojo Blak’s ‘Excellent’ featuring Kelvyn Boy won Best Afrobeats Song, and Gyakie’s ‘Sankofa’ was named Best Afropop Song.
Gospel music was celebrated with Piesie Esther winning Best Gospel Artiste and her song ‘Nyame Ye’ taking the Best Traditional Gospel Song award. Kofi Owusu Peprah’s ‘Big God Afro’ earned him the Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song award.
Collaborative Efforts Shine
The power of collaboration was evident with several duets and group efforts receiving recognition. Medikal’s ‘Shoulder’ featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap Kotm won Most Popular Song of the Year and Best Hiplife Song.
The Collaboration of the Year award went to Wendy Shay featuring Olivetheboy for ‘Crazy Love’. International Collaboration of the Year was awarded to Moliy, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy for ‘Shake It To The Max Rmx’.
Emerging Talent and Industry Recognition
The Best New Artiste award was presented to Gonaboy, signaling the arrival of new talent. The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the legendary Daddy Lumba, recognizing his enduring impact on the Ghanaian music industry.
Looking Ahead
The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards have once again underscored the growing influence and global reach of Ghanaian music. Black Sherif’s continued success at the Artiste of the Year category suggests a new era of sustained artistry. The strong performances across various genres, from Hiplife and HipHop to Afrobeats and Gospel, indicate a healthy and diverse musical landscape. Observers will be watching to see how these recognized artists build on their momentum and how emerging talents like Gonaboy shape the future sound of Ghana.
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