Ghana Music Awards: Caught between vanity and valor - a quarter-century review

The Ghana Music Awards have become a part of the Ghanaian Entertainment culture and have gotten larger and gained more attention with each passing year. It is undoubtedly one of the major annual events on the Ghanaian Calendar.

The Awards have been held since 1999 and has become so big now that activities are spread over some six months. Today the Ghana Music Awards isn’t just an event it’s a full blown festival with branches which often needed a trim, so to speak, and cut backs as well as additions through the years. Presented by Charter House, the Ghana Music Awards is considered by many to be the most prestigious music award in Ghana and amongst the most reputable in Africa.

The scheme has become a standard for measuring success in the Ghanaian Music Industry, a starting point for most careers and a springboard for getting onto the international scene. To many an artiste winning a Ghana Music Award gives increased visibility, enhances growth, help with fan base growth, gives networking opportunities and serves as motivation and a morale booster. Qualities essential for the progress of any creative.

The Ghana music Awards is not only the most prestigious but the longest continuous scheme the Ghanaian Entertainment scene has had since independence out living the Entertainment Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana awards (ECRAG) which later became the Arts Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana awards (ACRAG).

Other schemes as such Ghana Music Honors instituted by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) had a 5-year stint with the 3 Music Awards which is gunning for its 5th Edition albeit continual. To date the Ghana Music Awards have given out some 625 awards and has involved over 800 different Artistes and music industry persons. It is the most talked about entertainment event in Ghana now and has been for over 2 decades; where as its origins are questioned by many it as proven to be as Ghanaian as anything can get and has paid its dues more than any other institution to the Ghanaian Music Industry.

From Stardust to Spotlight - The Evolution

Launched in 1999, the Ghana Music Awards were established to recognize and celebrate the rich musical talent in Ghana. Since its inception, the GMA has undergone a remarkable evolution, mirroring the shifts and advances within the sector and reflecting broader cultural changes. The early years of the awards were characterized by a focus on recognizing top performers and works in various genres, providing a formal platform for artists to gain acknowledgment and visibility. As the years progressed, the Ghana Music Awards expanded its scope and categories to include a wider range of musical styles and industry roles. The inclusion of genres such as Hiplife, Highlife, Gospel, and Afrobeat reflected the diversity of Ghanaian music and the evolving tastes of audiences.

Additionally, new categories recognizing emerging artists, producers, and songwriters helped to acknowledge the broader ecosystem supporting music creation. The 2010s marked a period of modernization for the Ghana Music Awards. With the advent of digital technology and social media, the awards embraced these platforms to increase engagement and reach.

Live-streaming of events, online voting, and interactive social media campaigns allowed fans to become more involved in the process, democratizing the awards and creating a more inclusive experience. The Ghana Music Awards have not only celebrated musical excellence but have also played a significant role in shaping the industry. By spotlighting talented artists and fostering competition, the awards have contributed to raising industry standards and inspiring new talent.

High Notes & Pitfalls

The Ghana Music Awards (GMA) have long stood as a pillar of celebration and recognition within Ghana’s vibrant music industry. One of the most significant achievements of the GMA is its role in spotlighting exceptional talent. The GMA has played a crucial role in raising the standard of Ghana’s music industry. The awards have become an important cultural event, reflecting and celebrating the diverse musical heritage of Ghana. In recent years, the Ghana Music Awards have gained international attention, helping to propel Ghanaian music onto the global stage.

Like many prestigious award ceremonies, have seen their fair share of controversies over the years. There have been frequent criticisms about the transparency and fairness of the selection and voting processes. Allegations of bias, favoritism, and a lack of clarity in the criteria used to choose winners have surfaced multiple times. Sometimes, there are disagreements over the categorization of artists and their works. For example, debates arise over whether certain songs or albums should fall under specific categories or genres.

Disputes between artists, especially those who are nominees or winners, can spill over into public controversies. These feuds often involve accusations of unfair treatment or unjust awarding. There have been rumors and accusations suggesting that some winners might have received awards through under-the-table deals or other forms of manipulation. These controversies highlight the challenges faced by award organizations in maintaining credibility and ensuring fair recognition of artistic achievements.

Beyond the Red Carpet: Elevating the Ghana Music Awards Experience

For music industry professionals and devoted fans alike, the Ghana Music Awards represent the pinnacle of the annual entertainment calendar. It’s a night when stars don their finest, step onto the stage, and vie for accolades that symbolize excellence in their craft. While the event’s red carpet glamour and the subsequent awards presentations capture the spotlight, there is more to consider than just the evening’s high-profile moments.

The red carpet, with its flurry of press interactions and celebrity arrivals, is just the beginning. Behind the scenes, a meticulous orchestration unfolds—performers are chosen to captivate both live and televised audiences, and a skilled host ensures the seamless flow of the evening’s proceedings. While the awards themselves are often the most newsworthy aspect, the pre-show drama and excitement add to the allure.

However, to truly enhance the Ghana Music Awards experience, a forward-thinking approach is essential. This means integrating digital innovations like augmented reality and live streaming to engage modern audiences, expanding categories to reflect emerging genres and industry roles, and deepening community involvement through local talent initiatives. Additionally, refining logistical execution and adopting sustainable practices will not only boost the event’s professionalism but also its social impact.

Balancing Celebration with Reflection

As the awards continue to evolve, it's important to assess what has been successful, identify areas for improvement, and explore potential future developments. Indeed, it isn’t possible for the scheme to have survived over 2 decades without some introspection, self-assessment and some changes, however, those will not be enough moving forward. The scheme must begin to listen and listen not only to its self.

Albeit successful, it is probably the most backward looking as it has proven to be quiet conservative in changing to suit the times. The world of music has seen significant changes in the last decade, however, stagnation has been the watch word for the scheme. It has an ever stagnant boards whose knowledge of the industry is adept and salient but not necessarily relevant to the times. There are numerous stakeholders who are capable of delivering in-depth analysis and information needed for today’s music business but how dare we suggest; Charter House knows it all. The scheme should begin to embrace changes akin to today’s technology and innovations, increase the use of data and data driven analysis and desist from solely using relying on streams and views data.

How does the scheme not have a mobile application by now? How are votes still been collated and spread through google forms? What happened to technology and innovation?

As musical genres continue to evolve, the GMA should consider expanding its categories to reflect new and emerging styles. Today, we see the significant rise of alternative artistes but the scheme is simply blind. Recognizing alternative music, and other innovative sounds can ensure that the awards remain relevant and inclusive of the full spectrum of Ghanaian music.

Even the deaf can hear the wonders social media and digital innovation is doing to the music industry but the board is still busy dancing “Azonto to Amapiano”. The rise of digital platforms presents a significant opportunity for the GMA. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the awards can offer immersive experiences for fans. Virtual red carpets, interactive live streams, and augmented reality features can bring the excitement of the awards to a global audience, making the event more accessible and engaging.

While the Ghana Music Awards have made significant strides in celebrating and promoting Ghanaian music, there are opportunities for refinement and growth. By addressing existing challenges and embracing innovative approaches, the GMA can continue to evolve as a premier platform for recognizing musical excellence and shaping the future of Ghana’s music industry. By putting aside “accomplishment pride” and embracing these advancements, the Ghana Music Awards can transform from a renowned spectacle into a dynamic, inclusive celebration that resonates with a global audience, reinforcing its status as a leading force in the music industry.