Accra, Ghana – May 9, 2027 – The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) celebrated a significant moment in Ghanaian music history last Saturday night as Medikal’s chart-topping single ‘Shoulder’ was awarded the coveted Best Hiplife Song of the Year. The announcement, made at the Grand Arena, recognized the infectious collaboration featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM as the definitive hiplife anthem for the 2026/2027 music calendar.
A Highly Competitive Category
The Best Hiplife Song award at the 27th TGMAs was a fiercely contested category, showcasing the depth and vibrancy of Ghana’s rap and highlife music scenes. ‘Shoulder’ by Medikal, Shatta Wale, and Beeztrap KOTM faced stiff competition from other strong contenders.
The nominated tracks included ‘Tontonte’ by Ko-jo Cue featuring AratheJay and Ofori Amponsah, ‘Next Door’ by Kojo Blak featuring Sarkodie, ‘Messiah’ by Sarkodie featuring Kweku Flick, and ‘Badness’ by Kwesi Amewuga. The selection highlighted a diverse range of artists and styles within the hiplife genre.
‘Shoulder’ Dominates Fan and Critical Acclaim
The success of ‘Shoulder’ is attributed to its unique blend of contemporary beats and traditional hiplife elements, resonating strongly with a broad audience. The collaboration brought together Medikal’s sharp lyricism, Shatta Wale’s immense star power, and Beeztrap KOTM’s emerging talent, creating a track that dominated airwaves and streaming platforms.
The win was met with enthusiastic applause from the attendees at the Grand Arena, underscoring the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the hiplife genre. This award solidifies ‘Shoulder’s position as a landmark track in recent Ghanaian music history.
The Enduring Relevance of Hiplife
Hiplife, a genre that fuses Ghanaian highlife with hip hop and dancehall, has been a cornerstone of the nation’s music industry for decades. Its ability to evolve while retaining its core identity has allowed it to remain relevant across generations.
The Telecel Ghana Music Awards consistently highlight the genre’s impact, and the 27th edition was no exception. The recognition of ‘Shoulder’ points to a continued appreciation for the sound that has defined a significant part of Ghana’s musical landscape.
Industry analysts note that collaborations like the one on ‘Shoulder’ are crucial for cross-generational appeal and for introducing new artists to wider audiences. The synergy between established stars like Shatta Wale and rising talents like Beeztrap KOTM, alongside Medikal’s established presence, created a powerful musical force.
Looking Ahead
The victory for ‘Shoulder’ at the 27th TGMAs signals a robust future for the hiplife genre. It highlights the continued success of artists who can skillfully blend traditional influences with modern production techniques. Music enthusiasts will be watching to see how this success influences future collaborations and the overall direction of Ghanaian music, particularly in how established artists and emerging talents will continue to innovate within the hiplife framework.
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