The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) culminated in a spectacular night of celebration, glamour, and fierce competition on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Grand Arena in Accra. Organized by Charterhouse Productions, the annual event honored outstanding achievements and significant impact within Ghana’s vibrant music industry, featuring thrilling live performances and intense competition for the country’s most coveted accolades across genres like highlife, hiplife, gospel, reggae/dancehall, Afrobeats, and hip-hop.

The evening was largely dominated by Black Sherif, who solidified his status as a leading voice of Africa’s Gen-Z music movement. The 24-year-old superstar was crowned Artiste of the Year for the second time in his career, a rare achievement that places him among an elite group of multiple-time winners. Black Sherif secured a staggering five trophies, including Album/EP of the Year for his critically acclaimed masterpiece, ‘Iron Boy,’ which blended introspective songwriting with global drill and highlife influences. He also claimed Songwriter of the Year for his hauntingly poetic track ‘Sacrifice,’ marking a significant shift as Hiphop artists rarely clinch this award. Further cementing his dominance, Black Sherif won Best Hiphop Song for the gritty and emotionally charged ‘Where Dem Boys,’ and Best Afropop Song for ‘Sacrifice.’ His year under review was characterized by unparalleled consistency, massive digital streaming numbers, and high-profile international performances.

Kofi Kinaata, the celebrated voice of Takoradi, achieved a spectacular double victory in the highlife categories, being named the Best Highlife Artiste of the Year and winning Best Highlife Song for his poignant tribute track, ‘It Is Finished.’ This song, which mourned the tragic 2025 military helicopter crash and paid homage to highlife legend Daddy Lumba, resonated deeply across the nation, reinforcing Kinaata’s role as a modern standard-bearer for a genre deeply rooted in Ghanaian identity and a vehicle for national reflection.

In the Best International Collaboration category, Ghanaian musician Moliy clinched the award for her ambitious and genre-bending track, ‘Shake It To The Max (Remix).’ The record featured a powerhouse lineup of Jamaican superstars including Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy, proving its cultural weight and bridging the gap between West African Afrobeats and Caribbean dancehall.

Nigerian music’s irresistible pull across West Africa was evident as Davido clinched the award for Best African Song of the Year for his chart-topping collaboration ‘With You,’ featuring the soulful vocals of Omah Lay. The song became a staple on Ghanaian radio and nightlife, topping digital streaming charts and demonstrating the borderless nature of modern Afrobeats.

Stonebwoy once again asserted his authority over the African reggae and dancehall landscape, making history by securing the Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste award for a landmark 10th time. His continued success is attributed to his workaholic approach, global footprint, and ability to fuse authentic dancehall rhythms with Afrobeats and Highlife.

Wendy Shay triumphed as the Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year, cementing her status as a powerhouse of the genre. Her victory followed a year of chart-topping dominance and viral success, attributed to her relentless work ethic and ability to blend traditional Ghanaian highlife elements with contemporary Afrobeats rhythms.

Medikal's hit single ‘Shoulder,’ a collaboration featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM, was crowned the Best Hiplife Song of the Year. This fan favorite solidified its status as a definitive hiplife anthem, resonating strongly for its lyrical prowess and enduring relevance within the genre.

Diana Hamilton, the powerhouse of contemporary African gospel, returned to the pinnacle of the genre, winning the Best Gospel Artiste of the Year. Her hit single ‘Aha Ye (The Good Place),’ featuring Ntokozo Mbambo and Elder Mireku, was a catalyst for her victory, dominating gospel charts and affirming her consistent influence and innovation within Ghanaian music.