TGMA Artiste of the Year: How Sarkodie returned after 2025 absence

Sometime in 2025, the nominees for the Telecel Ghana Music Awards were announced. The list featured artistes such as Kweku Smoke, Team Eternity, Joe Mettle, King Paluta, King Promise, Stonebwoy, and Black Sherif.

While much of the discussion centered on whether Stonebwoy, the incumbent winner, deserved another award, or if first-timers such as King Promise and King Paluta should take the crown, many noticed one name missing.

Sarkodie was absent from the list. The multiple award-winning rapper first appeared in the 'Artiste of the Year' category in 2012, winning in the same year he was nominated.

From 2014 onwards, he became a recurring name on the list for the next decade.

TGMAs 2025: Sarkodie misses out on ‘Artiste of the Year’ nomination for the first time in 10 years

But in 2025, Sarkodie was not included. Many attributed this to a relatively slow 2024, the year under review.

A year later, however, Sarkodie made a strong comeback. In 2026, the “Landlord” was back on the list, and this time, he was firmly in the conversation to win.

So, what changed?

In 2025, Sarkodie released several major songs, including 'Violence' featuring Kweku Smoke, 'Next Door' featuring Kojo Black, and 'Bend' featuring OlivetheBoy.

But his biggest moment came in September when he staged a landmark Rapperholic: Homecoming concert in Kumasi, the first time he held a major show in the Garden City.

The sold-out concert at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium dominated discussions for the rest of the year.

This was followed by his usual Rapperholic concert in Accra and a surprise announcement that he would take the brand to the UK in March 2026.

Despite a slow 2024, Sarkodie made himself the center of conversation in 2025, paving the way for his return to the TGMA stage in 2026.

Still, the competition is fierce. He faces strong contention from the likes of Stonebwoy, Medikal, Wendy Shay, and former winners Black Sherif and Diana Hamilton.

ID/EB