The recent reforms in the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have sparked conversations, particularly with the introduction of a new category for urban and contemporary gospel.
The new category, dubbed Urban/Contemporary Song of the Year, has been well-received by musicians within the urban gospel community. However, some industry figures, including Caleb Nii Boye, Roland Amartey (on Sammy Flex TV), and Ezekiel Tetteh, have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the TGMA Board should have instead focused on the Reggae/Dancehall Song category by separating the two genres, allowing both Dancehall and Reggae to stand independently.
In contrast, Joseph Smart Amenuveve Kwodwo, known as JSmart and curator of Urban Gospel Rave, has defended the new category. He believes the criticisms against it are unwarranted.
Taking to social media, JSmart highlighted the impressive progress of urban gospel artists in 2024, noting that over fifty artists have produced and promoted songs, some even releasing full albums. He provided examples such as Kobby Psalms’ Never Forget, H. Hardy’s Alive, Scott Evans’ Grateful, Raf Able’s collaboration with Cwesi Oteng on You No Dey See, Quabena Asare’s Radical For Christ, and Team Eternity’s Defe Defe.
JSmart further argued that urban gospel artists have made substantial investments in their music and visuals, pointing out examples like Scott Evans traveling overseas to record and Jonn Winner traveling to Dubai and South Africa for music video shoots.
He compared this dedication to the dancehall scene, questioning which dancehall artists are matching such levels of investment.
The curator also highlighted the prominence of urban gospel artists on major event stages, asserting that they are headlining their own events and performing on platforms that dancehall artists may struggle to reach.
JSmart commended the TGMA Board for recognizing the contributions of urban gospel artists and introducing the new category to the awards.