George Quaye Criticizes Artists for Ignorance of TGMA Submission Process

George Quaye, former head of communications at Charterhouse, the organizers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), has criticized artists for failing to take responsibility for understanding the awards submission process. He urged musicians to take an active interest in the awards system, emphasizing that there is no excuse for ignorance, especially when the necessary information is easily accessible.

During an appearance on Daybreak Hitz, Quaye responded to concerns raised by some artists about the TGMA submission and nomination procedure. He expressed disappointment over artists who claimed not to understand how the process works, stating that it was shameful for anyone in the industry to admit such a lack of knowledge. Quaye compared the situation to applying for international awards like the Grammys, where artists typically take the initiative to learn how to submit their work without seeking assistance.

“If you want to submit your music for the Grammys, do you go around asking people to teach you the process? You should at least show some interest in learning how to do it. If I were an artist, I would feel embarrassed to sit on radio and admit that I don’t know how to submit my work for the TGMAs,” Quaye said, speaking to Andy Dosty on the show. He further emphasized that taking responsibility for learning the submission process should be a basic expectation for any serious artist.

Quaye pointed out that the information about how to submit for the TGMA is readily available on the official website. He criticized artists for relying on others to do the work for them, instead of taking the time to understand the process themselves. “Do you expect someone like Robert to come to your house and show you how to submit your work? The information is there on the website. This awards scheme has been around for 25 years; if you can’t do it on your own, get someone to help you, but don’t make excuses or act as if you don’t know what to do,” he remarked.

He also addressed the issue of modern technology, explaining that in today’s digital age, finding the right information should not be a problem. With access to the internet and numerous online resources, Quaye argued that there are no longer any valid excuses for artists to remain uninformed about the submission process. “In today’s world, with so much technology available, if I were an artist, I could simply Google how to submit my forms and find all the necessary information. It’s that simple,” he said. “There are plenty of people around who can assist you, but you shouldn’t be relying on others to do everything for you.”

Quaye’s comments serve as a wake-up call for musicians to be more proactive and responsible in their careers. He believes that artists should be more self-reliant and take the initiative to research and learn how to navigate industry processes. Rather than complaining or making excuses, musicians should be actively seeking opportunities to improve their knowledge and grow within the industry.

Furthermore, Quaye stressed the importance of professionalism and taking ownership of one’s career. He explained that in any field, especially in the music industry, it is essential to understand the systems in place and how to engage with them effectively. For Quaye, the ability to independently navigate the awards process is part of becoming a well-rounded and successful artist.

His comments are a clear indication of his frustration with the current attitude among some artists who expect others to handle the work for them. Quaye’s belief is that artists should be more self-sufficient, using the resources available to them, and showing more determination to succeed. By doing so, they can enhance their careers and better navigate opportunities such as the TGMA.

Ultimately, Quaye’s words highlight a larger issue within the industry: the need for artists to embrace responsibility for their professional growth and development. Rather than relying on others to guide them through every step, musicians should take the initiative to learn and understand the processes that will help them succeed. This attitude will not only benefit them in the context of the TGMA but also in every aspect of their careers.