It’s a common sentiment among Ghanaian musicians: they want to “put their country on the map.” For many, the Grammy Awards represent the ultimate international accolade. This desire stems from a deeply rooted and multifaceted musical heritage, as well as a modern impulse to connect with listeners both at home and abroad.
With the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) now concluded, this is the perfect time to reflect on the current state of the Ghanaian music industry and what it will take to achieve Grammy-winning success.
The Diversity of Ghanaian Music
Ghana’s vibrant music scene is buzzing with energy. At its core stands Highlife—an upbeat, spirited genre that emerged in the early 20th century. Its unique sound was born from a fusion of traditional Ghanaian melodies and rhythms with Western harmonies reminiscent of jazz and swing.
Highlife became the soundtrack of a nation in search of its identity, and it remains foundational to Ghana’s music industry today.
In the 1990s, Hiplife emerged—a dynamic blend of Highlife and hip-hop, championed by pioneers like Reggie Rockstone. Hiplife gave voice to a creatively energised youth, with artists rapping and singing in local dialects, tackling social issues and bridging modern and traditional styles.
Today, Afrobeats dominates the global soundscape, and Ghanaian musicians have played a key role in spreading the genre. While Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tems command much of the spotlight, Ghanaian artists are also rising, collaborating with international superstars and winning global accolades.
Take Black Sherif, for example—his unique blend of drill and Highlife has earned him international fame and millions of streams, adding fresh flair to the genre. Afrobeats, with its catchy hooks, feel-good vibe, and cross-genre collaborations, continues to resonate worldwide.
Who Could Bring Home a Grammy?
In assessing potential Grammy contenders, popularity alone doesn’t cut it. Several critical elements come into play: musical creativity, international appeal, production value, and successful cross-cultural collaborations.
Few Ghanaian artists have found commercial success both locally and globally. With unmatched lyrical ability, versatility, and extensive catalogues, they have built loyal fan bases worldwide. Their international collaborations have broadened their audiences, and their consistent delivery of quality music positions them as serious contenders.
This raises a complex question: of the greatest lyricists with the most brilliant catalogues, who can truly capture the Recording Academy’s attention?
Then there are the Afrobeats and Dancehall powerhouses. These artists have achieved international recognition at lightning speed thanks to their electrifying performances, provocative lyrics, and seamless genre blending. Their relentless global touring and high-profile collaborations have significantly raised their profiles.
Stonebwoy, for instance, has consistently released award-winning Dancehall and Afrobeats albums that meet top-tier production standards. But among all these energetic live performers, who will captivate Grammy voters the most?
We must also consider artists who, while not always in the international limelight, maintain strong connections with their fan bases and continue to produce creative, innovative music. Collaborations such as Shatta Wale’s “Already” with Beyoncé, and KiDi’s “Say Cheese” remix featuring Grammy-winning producer Teddy Riley, have boosted their global recognition.
Sarkodie’s high-quality production and profound lyrics—often switching between English and Twi—showcase his technical excellence and unique voice. When it comes to artists blending eclectic styles with cross-genre influence and devoted fanbases, several Ghanaians stand out as Grammy hopefuls.
Additionally, talents like Kuami Eugene, Efya, and Gyakie—with their powerful vocals and rising profiles—are quickly gaining international traction. The key for these artists will be to keep pushing creative boundaries, releasing high-calibre music, and building global connections.
“For us, the Grammy is the ultimate validation,” said King Promise in a recent radio interview. “It shows the world that our music has a place on the global stage, and we are working hard to get there.”
What the Grammys Are Looking For
The Grammy Awards, presented by the Recording Academy, are not solely based on record sales. According to the Academy, they recognise “artistic excellence, technical skill, and overall excellence in the recording industry.”
This means that while popularity matters, the quality and impact of the music is paramount.
So what exactly is the Recording Academy looking for?
- Artistic excellence: Innovation, originality, and creativity.
- Technical skill: High-quality production, mixing, and mastering.
- Cultural impact: Does the music resonate deeply? Does it shift culture, locally or globally?
- Cross-genre appeal: Artists who blend genres effectively often have a competitive edge.
- International attention: Collaborations, global touring, and international media presence all strengthen an artist’s case.
One relevant category is Best Global Music Album, described as celebrating “many different genres from around the world, found outside the United States.” This category has evolved significantly to reflect global diversity.
Still, there are ongoing conversations about how the Grammys classify and judge music from outside the U.S. Critics argue that African music is often underrepresented or miscategorised, failing to reflect its depth and richness.
Despite this, the Recording Academy insists its mission is to spotlight exceptional music from all corners of the globe.
The Challenges and Perspectives
Ghanaian artists are undoubtedly making waves—but many face barriers on the path to Grammy success.
Challenges include:
- Limited infrastructure, including lack of access to world-class studios
- Weak distribution networks
- Insufficient financing for international promotion and touring
A report from the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) notes improvements in production quality but points out that most independent artists still lack access to international-standard facilities.
Global visibility remains a significant hurdle, especially for those without backing from major record labels or media platforms. There is also ongoing debate about how the Grammys categorise “World Music” or “Global Music” and whether this does justice to the full spectrum of African music.
However, the Recording Academy has recently taken steps to be more inclusive—introducing a Best African Music Performance category in 2023.
In an interview with the BBC, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said:
“Music is about inclusivity. We don’t want to fence people out of genres. If we start deciding who can or can’t make a certain type of music, we lose the essence of creativity.”
But inclusivity must be balanced with a commitment to preserving the integrity of diverse musical traditions—a difficult but necessary act.
Why Aren’t There More Ghanaian Grammy Winners?
Given the immense talent in Ghana, why haven’t more Ghanaian artists won Grammys?
There are several reasons:
- The global music industry has historically been dominated by Western perspectives
- Ghana’s music industry lacks the financial investment required for large-scale promotion and global distribution
- Language and cultural differences can be a barrier to international appeal
- The Grammy Awards are fiercely competitive, with artists from all over the world vying for recognition
“The financial investment needed for international promotion is a huge hurdle for many of us,” said a well-known Ghanaian producer, speaking anonymously. “We have the talent, but sometimes not the resources to compete on a truly global scale.”
Ghana’s Grammy Horizon: Building Momentum
Ghana’s music scene is dynamic and constantly evolving. Events like the Telecel Ghana Music Awards have become powerful platforms, helping artists gain exposure and credibility.
According to data from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the number of professional recording artists in Ghana has steadily risen over the past decade, reflecting a healthy and growing industry.
If Ghanaian artists continue to raise the bar creatively, forge strong artistic partnerships, and connect with audiences globally, their chances of Grammy success will continue to grow.
When Ghanaian music finds a firm foothold on the world stage, it isn’t just a victory for the artists—it’s a celebration of African culture, identity, and creative excellence on the global platform where it belongs.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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