Despite a late start that tested fans’ patience, the event unfolded with a rollercoaster of awe and letdowns.
Stonebwoy’s electrifying performance brought the house down, contrasting sharply with an underwhelming show by King Promise, one of the favourites for the ultimate award, Artiste of the Year.
The unexpected victory of gospel artiste Queendalyn Yurglee as Best Female Vocal Performance sparked widespread buzz, while the hosting by actors Naa Ashorkor and Chris Attoh fell flat and left the audience underwhelmed.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary milestone, the TGMA organized by Charterhouse showcased its knack for surprising, thrilling, and sparking conversations. Below is a recap of the highlights from the recent TGMA event:The evening commenced with the highly anticipated Red Carpet, attracting a plethora of celebrities all vying for attention. This segment has consistently been a standout feature of the annual awards ceremony, and this year was no different.Notable figures such as Zynell Zuh, Chris Attoh, Naa Ashorkor, Sista Efya, Efia Odo, Kwabena Kwabena, and Nadia Buari stunned in their extravagant attire, adding to the glamour of the occasion.
However, not everyone managed to impress. Kuami Eugene, DJ Azonto, Official Dacosta, TikTokers Asantewaa, and Wesley Kesse left fans puzzled with their fashion choices.Despite these fashion missteps, the Red Carpet remained a lively showcase of style and glamour.
Dry HostingScreen personalities Naa Ashorkor and Chris Attoh were expected to infuse the stage with charisma and energy as hosts.
However, despite their established reputations, their performance fell flat for many, lacking the spark expected from such seasoned hosts.The event’s late start, a recurring issue, was exacerbated by lengthy speeches and unnecessary praises from both award presenters and winners, prolonging the ceremony into the early hours of the next day.
For an event with a 25-year history, the organizers’ disregard for punctuality has reached unacceptable levels and requires immediate attention from Charterhouse.
They should benchmark against the standards set by premier international awards to reflect the TGMA’s esteemed status on the national entertainment calendar.
Show-stopping PerformancesDespite the setbacks, the night featured performances that captivated the audience.
Nacee’s gospel-inspired set, a heartfelt tribute to the late KODA, stood out as a poignant highlight.Stonebwoy energized the crowd with his dynamic performance, seamlessly transitioning from “Manodzi” to his upcoming single “Your Body.
“Efya showcased her exceptional vocal talent and stage presence, reaffirming her nickname as the “Big Dragon.”
Additionally, Kuami Eugene brought his rockstar energy to the stage, while Mr. Drew’s choreography mesmerized the crowd.
The legendary Amakye Dede, honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, performed his timeless hits, evoking nostalgic joy among fans.Other notable performances came from Okyeame Kwame, Kwabena Kwabena, Reggie Rockstone, Epixode, Mzbel, Akwaboah, Amerado, King Paluta, and Eno Barony, each showcasing their unique style and energy.
Big FlopIn an unexpected twist, King Promise, a top contender for the Artiste of the Year award, delivered a lackluster performance that failed to connect with the audience.
It was a surprising misstep from an artist who had everything to gain from a stellar performance and the high expectations of fans.
Hits and MissesThe TGMA awards ceremony concluded with a resounding win for Stonebwoy, who clinched the coveted Artiste of the Year award. Despite King Promise’s impressive performance throughout the year, his fans were left disappointed.
However, there was no denying King Paluta’s well-deserved win as Best New Artiste, as patrons erupted in unanimous applause, recognizing his exceptional talent and dedication.
The auditorium resounded with congratulations, making King Paluta’s victory a truly unforgettable highlight of the evening.
Meanwhile, fans of Adina and Abiana were left shocked and disheartened when their favorites failed to secure the Best Female Vocal Performance award. Instead, the prize went to Queendalyn Yurglee, a gospel artist who was a new face to many in the audience.
The night also brought disappointment for songstress Gyakie, whom many believed would have been recognized for her hard work and achievements during the reviewed year.
Despite earning two nominations in the Most Popular Song and Best International Collaboration categories, Gyakie left empty-handed, leaving her fans disheartened.
Challenge for CharterhouseWhile Charterhouse has commendably celebrated Ghanaian music and its artists over the years, serving as a significant catalyst for industry growth, this year’s TGMA underscored areas for improvement.
These include respecting the event’s scheduled start time, reducing unnecessary delays on stage through tighter production and dry rehearsals, and ensuring more engaging performances to enhance the overall experience for patrons, award winners, performers, and television audiences alike.
Enhancing audience interaction and implementing a more efficient award presentation system will also be crucial for future events. Additionally, the organizers should consider showcasing a more diverse and inclusive lineup of performers and presenters to authentically reflect the richness of Ghanaian music.
