Sarkodie Left Out of Artiste of the Year Race

For the first time in over a decade, Ghanaian rap heavyweight Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, has been left out of the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

The announcement, made by event organisers Charterhouse on March 15, has sparked heated debates among fans and industry watchers.

While Sarkodie received multiple nominations, including Best Hip Life/Hip Pop Artiste, Best Rap Performance for ‘Brag’, Hip Hop Song of the Year for ‘Amen’ featuring Beeztrap Kotm, and Best Hip Pop Song for ‘No Size’, his exclusion from the most prestigious category has left many puzzled. His collaboration on ‘Favourite Story’ with King Promise and Olive The Boy also secured nods for Best Afrobeat Song and Collaboration of the Year.

Die-hard fans of the rapper have taken to social media to express their disappointment, arguing that his impact during the 2024/2025 music season was undeniable. Songs like ‘Otan’ and ‘Confam’ dominated airwaves, and his international collaborations with KJ Spio and Oxlade, alongside his highly anticipated Rapperholic Concert, positioned him as a strong contender for the top prize.

However, the AOTY category remains fiercely competitive, with Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, King Promise, Joe Mettle, Kweku Smoke, King Paluta, and Team Eternity Ghana making the final cut.

Addressing the concerns, Robert Klah, Head of Public Events and Communication at Charterhouse, assured fans that the awards remain a fair and transparent process. He emphasized that this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting yet, celebrating the industry’s best talents.

The 26th TGMA main event is set for May 3, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre, preceded by a pre-party on May 2, which will bring together nominees, industry players, and music lovers for networking and discussions.

Despite the controversy, Sarkodie remains dominant in Ghana’s music scene, and his influence is far from fading.