Black Sherif, King Paluta emerge strong contenders for Artiste of the Year at 27th TGMAs

Ghana’s music industry weathered a year of emotional highs and lows in 2025, marked by the loss of several iconic figures but energised by some artistes who kept the industry alive with backtoback hits.

Black Sherif dominated the year 2025 with his “Iron Boy” album with the likes of Fameye, Wendy Shay and Stonebwoy, among others sparked the music scene with several hit songs and all could be in contention for the coveted Artiste of the Year prize at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

At the centre of the resurgence and vibrancy in the music industry last year stood King Paluta, whose unstoppable momentum places him among the strongest contenders for the industry’s top honour.

With filling for nominations closed, anticipation is building for what industry watchers expect to be one of the most hotly contested editions in recent years.

Last year’s awards ended in a tight race, with King Promise narrowly edging out King Paluta and other contenders for the top prize.

Despite missing out last year, King Paluta tightened his grip on the music scene with a steady pipeline of chart friendly releases and high-profile performances across Ghana and abroad.

Once celebrated as New Artiste of the Year, King Paluta spent 2025 shedding the “rising star” label and embracing a new identity many fans have christened “the Hit Machine.”

His single “Foko,” released in April 2025, became a household hit, dominating TikTok trends and smashing streaming milestones across multiple platforms.

The track’s viral run set the tone for what would become his most commercially successful year yet.

King Paluta followed up with a string of releases including “Thank You,” “Asikyire,” “Between Me and God” and “La Vida Loca,” each receiving strong airplay and climbing streaming charts.

But it was his December release, “Ewor Me,” featuring Highlife icon Kwabena Kwabena, that would cap off the year.

The collaboration quickly gained traction, breaking into various playlists and extending the rapper’s momentum into 2026.

By the end of 2025, King Paluta had surpassed 33.5 million YouTube streams and ranked as the fourth moststreamed Ghanaian artiste on Audiomack, cementing his dominance in a digital music landscape.

His impact was not limited to recording booths and streaming dashboards. King Paluta mounted some of the biggest stages available including a headlining slot at the Afrofuture Festival, one of the continent's most prominent music showcases.

His local footprint expanded as well, with performances in towns such as Sunyani, Bogoso, Nkoranza, Nsawam, Sefwi Asawinso and Ejisu, where he played to enthusiastic grassroots audiences.

Internationally, he extended his reach with shows in Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States, bringing his distinct Asaka influenced style to migrant communities and new fans.

Collaborations were another hallmark of his 2025 success.

His features on Joyce Blessing’s “Unchangeable Jesus,” Takyi Kay’s “Free Your Mind,” Ratty Ghana’s “Happy Day” and Efya's "Catch the Feelings," boosted his visibility across genres, reinforcing his versatility and appeal.

Whether King Paluta clinches the 2026 Artiste of the Year title or not, his output and dominating the news over the past year has positioned him as one of Ghana’s defining musical forces.