Ghana’s highlife scene has a rich history — and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) has been there to celebrate its biggest stars every year. From legends who defined the genre to today’s chart-toppers, the TGMA Highlife Artiste of the Year award reads like a who’s who of Ghanaian music.
Looking back, the early 2000s were dominated by legends like Kojo Antwi (2001), Daasebre Dwamena (2002), and Daddy Lumba (2003 & 2015), whose soulful tunes and storytelling defined a generation. The mid-2000s saw Ofori Amponsah dominate the scene, winning the award three times in a row (2006–2008).
The late 2000s and early 2010s brought in Kwabena Kwabena, whose romantic ballads captured hearts across the country, earning him four TGMA Highlife Artiste of the Year awards (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014). Artists like Wutah Afriyie (2013) and Bisa Kdei (2016) continued to keep highlife fresh for younger audiences.
In recent years, the genre has seen a dynamic mix of old and new stars. Kuami Eugene has been unstoppable, winning multiple times (2018–2020, 2024), while Kofi Kinaata has also made his mark (2017, 2023). And in 2025, Fameye clinched the award, proving that the new generation is ready to carry highlife into the future.
The list of TGMA Highlife Artiste of the Year winners is more than just a record of awards — it’s a timeline of Ghanaian music evolution. From the soulful classics of Kojo Antwi to the modern vibes of Fameye, the award highlights artists who continue to define highlife and inspire generations.
As Ghanaian highlife thrives, fans and music lovers look forward to who will take the mantle next — but one thing is certain: the legacy of the genre, celebrated annually by TGMA, remains timeless.
So, Who Wins in 2026?
As the industry looks ahead to the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards, the big question on fans’ minds is: Will Fameye defend his crown, or will a new name rise?