For over a decade, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Unsung Initiative has provided a crucial platform for rising artistes striving to break into the mainstream music industry. This category is designed to highlight promising acts who have demonstrated impressive artistry, consistency, and potential within the year under review but have yet to gain mainstream recognition. However, despite the immense contributions of gospel musicians, they have historically been sidelined from this category. The absence of gospel artistes from the Unsung nominations raises an important question: if they are not nominated, how can they ever win? As we approach TGMA 2025, it is time to address this oversight and ensure that gospel artistes receive the recognition they deserve.
Several gospel artistes have demonstrated exceptional artistry and dedication over the past year and deserve to be considered for the Unsung Artiste of the Year nomination. Efua Black, for instance, has made a lasting impact with her powerful vocals and deep lyrical compositions. Her songs Twe Ben No, Eka Hen Ho, and Me Hia Wo have resonated deeply with listeners, cementing her reputation as one of Ghana’s most talented gospel artistes. Beyond her recorded music, she is the convener of Holy Ghost Concert—an annual worship event set to take place on April 27, 2025, at Word of Life Assemblies of God, Anaji in Takoradi. Her consistency, influence, and dedication to gospel music make her a strong candidate for the Unsung nomination.
Another remarkable artiste, Quame Gyedu, released Mighty Warrior, a deeply emotional yet spiritually uplifting worship song that has touched countless lives. His breathtaking live performances and ability to create transformative worship atmospheres further solidify his place as a formidable worship leader deserving of an Unsung nomination.
Kweku Teye has meticulously carved a niche in the gospel music industry, blending contemporary and traditional gospel sounds to create a unique connection with his audience. His exceptional stage presence, vocal dexterity, and songwriting abilities have earned him recognition, making him a strong contender for the Unsung category.
Similarly, Asirah Adjei, known for her hit song Teach Me, has gained recognition for her ability to connect deeply with listeners through rich vocals and heartfelt delivery. Her commitment to music ministry and her strong presence in the industry over the past year make her a deserving nominee.
Sandy Asare, with her angelic voice and deep spiritual compositions, has left a lasting impact on gospel music lovers. Her soulful worship songs continue to minister to thousands, and her remarkable consistency makes her another strong candidate for an Unsung nomination.
Nsroma Music has introduced a unique sound to gospel music, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary styles. Her music is more than just praise and worship—it spreads hope and uplifts souls. Her dedication and growing fanbase make her a perfect fit for the TGMA Unsung category.
Prophet Joseph Atarah is not just a gospel musician but a prophetic voice using music to inspire and uplift. His songs, filled with messages of faith and hope, have positioned him as a strong spiritual figure in the industry, making him a deserving nominee.
One of the most gifted vocalists in the gospel scene, Frimpomaa, has captured the hearts of many with her powerful and emotional gospel compositions. Her strong lyrical content, versatility, and spiritual impact make her a promising gospel artiste who deserves a place in the Unsung category.
Looking at the history of the Unsung category, it is clear that gospel artistes have been overlooked. Since 2014, the winners have predominantly been secular artistes. The full list of past winners and nominees is as follows:
2014: MzVee (Winner), Cabum, Eno Barony, Epixode, AK Songstress, Strongman.
2015: Dark Suburb (Winner), Kingzkid, Koo Ntakra, Mz Yankey, Nero X, Luther (Luta).
2016: Adomaa (Winner), Feli Nuna, Ebony Reigns, Perez Music, Nii Funny, Wan O.
2017: Kuami Eugene (Winner), Cina Soul, Deon Boakye, eShun, AJ Lyricx, CJ Biggerman, Afezi Perry.
2018: Kelvyn Boy (Winner), Dope Nation, Dhat Gyal, OBK, Real MC, Christian.
2019: Kula (Winner), OV, Mr Drew, Efe Keys, Unyx, Mantse AY, Lycon, Scrip T.
2020: Teflon Flexx (Winner), Gyakie, Sherry Boss, Imrana, Abochie, Kofi Jamar.
2021: Nanky (Winner), Queendalyn Yurglee, Naana Blu, Malcolm Nuna, Oseikrom Sikanii, Adelaide The Seer, Koby Tuesday, Kwame Yogot.
2022: Gambo (Winner), ShugaLord, Bryan The Mensah, Vanilla, Rcee, Chief One, Ama Nova, Roy X Taylor, Nautyca, King Maaga.
2023: DSL (Winner), Tsaqa, Niashun, Maya Blu, Aya Ramzyb, Boijake.
2024: Kwesi Amewuga (Winner), Kasar, Lali X Lola, Keeny Ice, Sevenkizs, Alaptawan.
Since its inception, only three gospel artistes—Kingzkid, Perez Music, Christian and Queendalyn Yurglee—have ever been nominated, and none have won. This heavy preference for Afrobeats, Highlife, Reggae/Dancehall, and Hip-hop artistes raises the concern of fairness in the selection process.
One argument against gospel artistes being nominated is that they may not be engaging enough in the Unsung Initiative process. To be part of the Unsung category, artistes and their managers must follow a structured process, including submitting their entries and mobilizing fan votes. If gospel artistes truly want to be recognized, they must take an active role in the nomination process, just as their secular counterparts do.
However, this does not justify their exclusion. Gospel artistes contribute significantly to Ghana’s music scene, and their works deserve equal recognition. Gospel music is not just entertainment; it carries a powerful message of hope, transformation, and spirituality. Many gospel artistes attract large fanbases, perform at major concerts, and trend on streaming platforms, yet they remain overlooked in mainstream music awards. If the Unsung category truly aims to recognize promising artistes with impressive artistry, consistency, and potential, then gospel artistes must be given the same opportunities as their secular peers.
The 2025 TGMA Unsung Artiste of the Year category presents a unique opportunity to correct this long-standing imbalance. Efua Black, Quame Gyedu, Kweku Teye, Asirah Adjei, Sandy Asare, Nsroma Music, Prophet Joseph Atarah, SK Frimpong, Kofi Owusu Peprah and Frimpomaa have all put in tremendous work in the year under review. Their consistency, impact, and influence in the gospel music industry deserve acknowledgment. The industry must take a stand against this cycle of exclusion and ensure that gospel artistes not only receive nominations but also have a fair chance at winning. It is time for a change. Let’s make it happen—nominate gospel artistes for the Unsung Artiste of the Year category in TGMA 2025
