Stonebwoy Commends King Promise for Securing TGMA26 Artiste of the Year Award

Afrobeats sensation King Promise has been crowned Artiste of the Year at the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), held on Saturday, May 10, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre. The milestone marks the singer’s first-ever win in the most prestigious category of the night, capping off a dominant run in what was one of the most competitive years in the history of the awards.

Following the announcement, Stonebwoy, one of Ghana’s most decorated musicians and the winner of last year’s Artiste of the Year title, took to social media to commend King Promise. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Stonebwoy wrote:
“Congratulations @IamKingPromise on your win and on your debut entry into the league of AOTY winners. You’re welcome.”

The show of respect from Stonebwoy underscores the camaraderie and mutual recognition among top Ghanaian artistes. Just a year ago, the two musicians were head-to-head for the same honour, with Stonebwoy narrowly edging out King Promise in the 2025 edition.

This year, however, belonged to King Promise. With 10 nominations heading into the ceremony, he emerged as the biggest winner of the night, taking home four major awards: Artiste of the Year, Afropop Song of the Year for his hit track “Paris”, Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste, and Album of the Year for “True to Self”. His sweep is being hailed as a testament to his consistency, artistry, and widespread fan appeal.

Stonebwoy also had an impressive showing at the event. He clinched Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste, Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year for “Psalm 23”, and Best Music Video of the Year, continuing his reign as one of Ghana’s most reliable hitmakers. Despite not taking home the top award this time, his presence and performance remained one of the night’s highlights.

The 2026 TGMAs were marked by fierce competition, particularly in the Artiste of the Year category, which included heavyweights such as Joe Mettle, Black Sherif, King Paluta, Kwaku Smoke, and gospel ensemble Team Eternity Ghana. The inclusion of King Paluta this year added further intrigue, as he has quickly become a fan favourite with his lyrical prowess and authentic sound.

In addition to King Promise and Stonebwoy, several other notable artistes were recognised on the night. Winners included Ayisi, Empress Gifty, KiDi, Kofi Kinaata, Esther Godwyll, Tulenkey, and Team Eternity Ghana. Their contributions reflect the diverse and vibrant talent across genres in the Ghanaian music scene.

A special moment of the night came when gospel legend Yaw Sarpong was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award celebrates his decades-long impact on the music industry and his pivotal role in elevating Ghanaian gospel music both locally and internationally.

The ceremony itself was a spectacle of glamour and creativity, with dazzling lights, elaborate stage setups, and electrifying performances. The energy in the room was electric as fans, industry leaders, and fellow artistes gathered to celebrate the best of Ghanaian music.

For King Promise, this win symbolizes the payoff of years of dedication and growth. After narrowly missing the Artiste of the Year title in 2025, his return this year was both determined and deliberate. With “True to Self” resonating strongly with audiences and critics alike, his journey to the top has now been officially recognized.

As the dust settles on TGMA 2026, the spotlight shines brightly on King Promise’s career while also reflecting the spirit of unity and excellence that continues to define Ghana’s music industry.