I’ve got the voice, I deserve TGMA Male vocalist nomination – Ras Kuuku

Ghanaian reggae artist Ras Kuuku has made a strong case for himself, stating that he deserves a Male Vocalist of the Year nomination at the upcoming Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

The Atia hitmaker, who previously won Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year in 2020, believes he is among the finest vocalists in the industry. However, despite consistently submitting entries for the past five years, he has never been nominated in the vocal category.

Expressing his frustration, Ras Kuuku pointed out that his extensive discography, including songs like Wo, Puom, and Atia—which pays tribute to Burger Highlife—demonstrates his vocal strength. Yet, he feels overlooked by the awards scheme.

“When it comes to vocal ability in music, I am one of the best in Ghana. But since I started submitting entries for TGMA, I’ve never been nominated in that category. This just proves that vocalists in the industry are not being recognized. We have many talented singers with amazing voices who deserve a platform, yet they remain unheard,” he lamented.

Lack of Response from TGMA Organizers

When asked if he had reached out to Charterhouse, the organizers of TGMA, about his concerns, Ras Kuuku confirmed that he had—but he is yet to receive a meaningful response.

“Every year when the TGMA nominations are announced and I share my thoughts, people say I’m always complaining. But the truth is, vocalists like myself deserve to be acknowledged,” he said.

Calls for Change in Gospel Song of the Year Category

Beyond his push for vocal recognition, Ras Kuuku has also criticized TGMA for restricting the Gospel Song of the Year category to only gospel artists. He argues that a song’s gospel value should be determined by its lyrics and message, not just the genre of the artiste performing it.

His remarks have sparked conversations in the industry, with many wondering whether TGMA will consider revising its nomination process to give more artists a fair shot at recognition.