Ghanaian songstress Sista Afia recently took to social media to express her disappointment with the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) board after her song “Asuoden” failed to receive any nominations for the prestigious awards ceremony despite its significant impact in 2021. In a heartfelt message, Sista Afia questioned whether she had inadvertently offended someone on the high table of the Ghana Music Awards and lamented the perceived lack of recognition for her hard work and talent.
In her statement, Sista Afia shared, “Have I offended someone at the high table Ghana Music Awards?? The fact that ‘Asuoden’ was a big song in 2021, zero nominations which I still don’t get. I learnt people don’t even file for nominations but get nominations, the downplay on my efforts ever since I started doing music in Ghana hasn’t been fair to my craft. And Yes, it hurts because I work so hard. I’ve been quiet for so long because I have respect for the scheme and I don’t want to step on no one’s toes!”
Sista Afia’s sentiments reflect a broader concern within the Ghanaian music industry regarding the transparency and fairness of the awards selection process. Her assertion that some artists receive nominations without even filing for them raises questions about the integrity of the nomination process and the criteria used by the TGMA board to evaluate contenders.
Furthermore, Sista Afia’s decision to speak out against the perceived injustice she has faced demonstrates the courage to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from industry stakeholders. Her reluctance to voice her grievances earlier out of respect for the scheme underscores the delicate balance artists often navigate between asserting their rights and maintaining professional decorum.
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It is essential for the Ghana Music Awards to address Sista Afia’s concerns and those of other artists who feel marginalized or overlooked by the awards scheme. Transparency and fairness are crucial pillars of any credible awards organization, and the TGMA board must strive to uphold these principles to maintain the trust and confidence of the music community.
Moving forward, there is an opportunity for constructive dialogue between artists, industry insiders, and the Ghana Music Awards board to review and improve the nomination and selection processes. By fostering greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, the awards scheme can better fulfill its mandate to celebrate and honor the outstanding achievements of Ghanaian musicians.
