Renowned Ghanaian songwriter, record producer, and lead singer of the award-winning urban gospel group Preachers, Obed Awelinga-Nzuh, known as Obed Psych, has expressed concerns over the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA)’s newly introduced “Best Urban/Contemporary Gospel Song” category.
According to him, the new category could either benefit artists or inadvertently confine them.
In a recent Facebook post, Obed Psych shared his perspective on the development, expressing both excitement and skepticism about whether it would truly benefit urban gospel artists or limit their growth.
“To start with, as a pioneer of Christian hip-hop, I was excited about it, but I couldn’t help but wonder if this will actually help us or will it box us in?” he stated.
He reflected on Preachers’ historic achievement in 2016 when they secured three TGMA nominations despite the absence of an urban gospel category. He raised a fundamental question:
“If it’s ‘Urban/Contemporary Gospel,’ then it’s clearly not just for gospel rappers, dancehall, or afrobeat artists like Preachers, Kingzkid, and Kobby Salm. It also encompasses contemporary gospel singers such as Joe Mettle, MOG, and Cwesi Oteng.”
He cautioned against assuming that the new category guarantees nominations and wins for Christian hip-hop artists, emphasizing that “It’s only hard work and determination that can get us a TGMA.”
Obed Psych drew a parallel to Chris Brown’s controversial nomination for Best African Music at the Grammys, urging the gospel community to “stay positive about it and hope for the best.”
About Preachers
Preachers is a gospel group that Obed Psych co-founded in 2009, pioneering Christian hip-hop music in Ghana. The group consists of three members: Obed Psych, Emani Beats, and Edmund Baidoo.
Preachers gained recognition in the music industry after releasing their debut album, Mark 16:15, in 2012, featuring their hit song Go Hard.
As a solo artist, Obed Psych aims to inspire, uplift, and spread positivity through his music. He has performed on major stages in Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. In addition to his musical career, Obed Psych is also a businessman and a father. In January 2025, he and Lamisi released a single titled Together Forever, which celebrates loyalty, resilience, and love.
About the New Category
The new TGMA category aims to honor the most popular gospel song that blends modern genres like R&B, hip-hop, and pop with traditional gospel elements. To be eligible, the song must have been commercially released within the year under review, garnered significant public excitement, and been performed by a gospel artist.
The winner will be determined through a combination of votes from the TGMA Academy, the TGMA Board, and the general public.