Stonebwoy nears 10th TGMA Reggae/Dancehall triumph

Since its introduction in 2015, the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has evolved into one of the scheme’s most fiercely contested and talked-about honours.

Across 11 editions, the category has been defined by consistency, influence, and star power, with one name towering above the rest – Stonebwoy.

Research conducted by entertainment journalist, Joseph Owusu Worae shows that Stonebwoy has clinched the award nine times, making him the most decorated artiste in the category’s history.

His dominance, stretching close to a decade, underscores his enduring relevance and firm grip on Ghana’s reggae and dancehall space.

Year-by-Year Winners

•2015 – Stonebwoy

•2016 – Stonebwoy

•2017 – Stonebwoy

•2018 – Stonebwoy

•2019 – Stonebwoy

•2020 – Ras Kuuku

•2021 – Epixode

•2022 – Stonebwoy

•2023 – Stonebwoy

•2024 – Stonebwoy

•2025 – Stonebwoy

Out of the 11 winners so far, only Ras Kuuku and Epixode have managed to interrupt Stonebwoy’s dominance, each securing the title once.

The numbers are clear: 9 out of 11 wins belong to one artiste, highlighting an extraordinary run rarely seen in any TGMA category.

A Category Defined by Rivalry and Resilience

Beyond the accolades, the Reggae/Dancehall category has mirrored defining moments within Ghana’s music industry.

The 2020 and 2021 wins by Ras Kuuku and Epixode came at a time when major contenders were absent from the awards, creating space for new champions to emerge.

However, Stonebwoy’s return in the years that followed saw him swiftly reclaim his position, reinforcing his authority and consistency within the genre.

The big question now looms: can Stonebwoy reach the coveted 10th win?

A victory at the 27th TGMA would mark a historic milestone, one that would further widen the gap between him and his closest competitors.

Achieving 10 wins in just over a decade of the category’s existence would not only be remarkable, but would also redefine what sustained dominance looks like in Ghanaian music awards history.

In an industry where trends constantly shift and competition intensifies with each passing year, maintaining this level of excellence speaks volumes about his adaptability, discipline, and deep connection with audiences. It is the kind of legacy that doesn’t just break records, it sets them.

High Stakes Ahead of TGMA 2026

As the 2026 edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards draws closer, attention once again shifts to the Reggae/Dancehall category, a battleground known for its intensity.

With heavyweights like Samini, Ras Kuuku, and Stonebwoy in contention, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Stonebwoy, it’s a shot at extending an already unmatched legacy.

For his contenders, it’s an opportunity to disrupt a long-standing dominance and rewrite the narrative.

Beyond the plaque, the award symbolizes influence, leadership, and supremacy within Ghana’s reggae/dancehall movement.

All eyes are now locked on May 9, 2026, as one of TGMA’s most iconic categories prepares for yet another defining moment.

CATEGORY DEFINITION

The Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, the Board and the General Public, as the Artiste with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the reggae/dancehall genre.

The artiste must have commercially released a reggae/dancehall hit Single / EP / Album during the year under review.

Credit: Joseph Owusu Worae