The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards Nominees Announcement Show
A Triple Crown of Recognition: Gyakie Earns Three Major Nominations for the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards
Edited by: Inna Horoshkina One
The acclaimed Ghanaian singer and songwriter Gyakie has reached a significant new milestone in her professional journey, securing three prestigious nominations for the upcoming 27th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards. The official announcement of the nominees took place on March 14, 2026, serving as a celebration of the most impactful musical projects released during the eligibility window from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Gyakie - Sankofa (Official Music Video)
Organized by Charterhouse Productions, the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) remains the definitive platform for the Ghanaian music industry. Year after year, it honors the creative excellence and commercial success of artists across a wide spectrum of contemporary African music genres, maintaining its status as the most anticipated event on the national cultural calendar.
One of the most significant highlights for Gyakie this year is her inclusion in the category for Best Afropop Song of the Year. This nomination was earned for her hit single "Sankofa," a track that has captivated audiences with its unique blend of traditional philosophy and modern production values.
The title of the song is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Ghana, specifically referencing the Adinkra symbol known as Sankofa. This powerful concept is often translated as "to go back and reclaim what was lost," representing a Ghanaian philosophy that emphasizes the importance of looking toward the past to gather the wisdom necessary for a successful future.
From a musical perspective, "Sankofa" is a masterclass in genre-blending, showcasing Gyakie's versatility as a vocalist and storyteller. The composition is built upon several key layers:
- smooth and melodic Afropop foundations
- atmospheric and rhythmic Afrobeats textures
- deeply personal and emotionally resonant lyrical content
The artist's dominance in the current music scene is further reflected by her presence in three distinct and highly competitive categories. These nominations underscore her consistent output and the critical acclaim her recent work has garnered from fans and industry experts alike:
- Best Afropop Song of the Year — "Sankofa"
- Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artist of the Year
- Album/EP of the Year — After Midnight
In the race for the Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artist of the Year title, Gyakie faces stiff competition from some of the industry's most prominent names. She is nominated alongside a talented roster of performers, including KiDi, Wendy Shay, OliveTheBoy, Moliy, and Kojo Blak, making this one of the most closely watched categories of the 2026 ceremony.
Her debut full-length project, "After Midnight," has been a cornerstone of her recent success, offering listeners a more mature and introspective sound. This body of work represents a significant evolution in her artistry, moving toward more complex themes and sophisticated musical arrangements.
According to insights from Gyakie’s creative team, the album’s title is a literal reflection of its unique recording process. Almost all the tracks were composed and recorded during the late-night hours, a time when the silence of the world allows a musician to dive deeper into their own emotions and reflections. These hours between midnight and the first light of dawn served as the primary inspiration for the entire project.
This latest recognition follows a steady and impressive climb to international fame that began several years ago. Gyakie first achieved widespread recognition with her 2021 EP titled Seed, which featured the global breakout hit "Forever." She followed this success with the 2022 release of the My Diary EP, a project that notably included a high-profile collaboration with the Nigerian superstar Davido.
The new nominations at the TGMA serve as a powerful testament to her strengthening position within the modern African music landscape. Her ability to maintain a distinct artistic voice while appealing to a broad, international audience has made her a pivotal figure in the industry's current era.
Ultimately, events like these demonstrate how music can return to its ancestral roots to find a more resonant and powerful expression. In her song "Sankofa," Gyakie provides a poignant reminder that in order to move forward effectively, it is essential to look back and integrate the wisdom of the past into the present.
Through this delicate movement between long-standing tradition and innovative new sounds, the voice of contemporary African music continues to grow and evolve. Gyakie’s journey is a clear example of this growth, proving that the fusion of cultural heritage and modern creativity is a winning formula for global recognition.
Sources
News Ghana
MyJoyOnline
Ghana Web
Ghana Weekend
Ghana Weekend
Ghana News Agency



