No Pity Needed — I Deserve My Success, Says King Promise

Ghanaian Afrobeats star King Promise is making it clear—his rise to the top of Ghana’s music industry is the result of relentless work, not sentiment. As the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) approach, he’s one of the leading contenders for Artiste of the Year, and he’s pushing back hard against suggestions that a win would be based on sympathy or compensation for his previous loss.

Last year, King Promise was narrowly edged out by Stonebwoy, a loss that stirred debate among fans and industry watchers. This year, however, he’s coming in with even more firepower: four major hit songs, ten award nominations, and a global tour that took his sound to five continents. Despite his impressive track record, some sceptics have floated the idea that a win this year could simply be a way of “righting a wrong” from the past—an idea the artist’s camp finds both inaccurate and dismissive.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz, Tilly Akua Nipaa, spokesperson for King Promise’s TGMA campaign, firmly rejected the “pity vote” narrative. “King Promise has not only matched but surpassed last year’s performance,” she explained. “This is not about giving him what he missed. This is about recognizing consistent, hard-earned excellence.”

Tilly broke down the facts: In 2024, King Promise entered the TGMA with two nominated songs and six total nominations. Fast forward to this year, and he boasts four chart-toppers—“Paris,” “Continental,” “Sexy,” and “Favourite Story”—and ten nominations across major categories. “That kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of strategic planning, artistic evolution, and tireless effort,” she added.

His international achievements have also strengthened his case. With successful performances in Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond, King Promise has pushed the boundaries of Ghanaian music on the global stage. “He didn’t just tour—he conquered new markets,” Tilly noted. “From Singapore and Japan to Dubai and the U.S., his shows were well-received, and that international recognition adds weight to his contributions this year.”

While King Promise faces stiff competition in the Artiste of the Year category—including the likes of Stonebwoy, King Paluta, Black Sherif, Joe Mettle, and Team Eternity Ghana—his team believes he stands out in terms of artistic consistency, reach, and cultural impact. Tilly acknowledged the strength of the category, but argued that the data speaks for itself.

“This is not a sentimental race—it’s a scoreboard of achievements. If you put each artiste’s work side by side and look at output, reach, consistency, and overall impact, King Promise is ahead,” she said confidently.

That said, she also emphasized that talent alone won’t secure the award. “We’re not just relying on his music to speak. We understand how the process works. The TGMA is about mobilizing support, rallying fans to vote, and appealing to both the board and academy. We’re doing the groundwork.”

As the ceremony nears, the energy around King Promise continues to grow. Many fans see this as his year—not because of any owed victory, but because he’s earned it through determination, versatility, and undeniable success.

“For those saying this is about pity or payback, look again,” Tilly concluded. “This is a man who has doubled his output, expanded his audience, and proven he can stand among Africa’s best. This is not about sympathy—it’s about supremacy.”

With just weeks to go until the awards night on May 10 at the Accra International Conference Centre, King Promise isn’t hoping for handouts. He’s claiming his crown—one hit, one stage, and one milestone at a time.