For over a decade, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) “Artiste of the Year” crown has been the ultimate prize—but for female artistes, the journey has been anything but easy. Since 2009, the category has largely been dominated by male heavyweights, with only a select few women breaking through the glass ceiling to claim the top honor.
The Female Breakthrough Moments
The history books record just two female winners in this fiercely competitive category since 2009:
- 2018 – Ebony Reigns (the first female to win Artiste of the Year)
- 2021 – Diana Hamilton (gospel star rewriting the narrative)
These victories were more than wins—they were cultural moments that shook the industry and proved that women could dominate Ghana’s biggest stage.
A Male-Dominated Battlefield
From 2009 to 2025, the award has mostly gone to male acts such as Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, KiDi, Black Sherif, and King Promise. Even in years when female artistes were making waves, breaking into the final Artiste of the Year nominations remained a rare feat—highlighting the uphill battle women continue to face in the industry.
Where Are the Female Nominees?
Unlike categories such as “Best Female Vocal Performance,” the Artiste of the Year list has consistently featured very few women. In many recent editions—including 2024 and 2025—the nominee lists were entirely male, despite strong performances from female artistes across genres. This has sparked ongoing debates among fans and industry watchers about representation, recognition, and fairness.
The Bigger Conversation
The scarcity of female nominees—and even fewer winners—has fueled calls for change. Critics argue that the system may overlook the impact of female artistes, while supporters insist the awards reflect measurable success and industry metrics. Still, the success stories of Ebony Reigns and Diana Hamilton stand tall as proof that when the moment aligns, female artistes can—and do—rise to the very top.
The Verdict
From 2009 to today, the TGMA Artiste of the Year race tells a dramatic story: dozens of male winners, only two female champions, and a growing call for balance. As the Ghanaian music industry evolves, one question continues to echo louder than ever: Who will be the next woman to conquer the TGMA throne?
