Ghanaian rap heavyweight Kwesi Arthur has ignited fresh excitement in the lead-up to the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) 2026 with a bold declaration: Black Sherif is the most deserving artist for the prestigious Artist of the Year crown.
Speaking during a recent appearance on a live stream, Kwesi Arthur did not mince words.
“Looking at the year under review, I believe Black Sherif should win Artist of the Year. If he doesn’t win, we will riot”
Kwesi Arthur, Musician
The comment, which has since gone viral across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, has sparked intense reactions from fans and industry watchers.
Clips of the interview have racked up thousands of views within hours, with many netizens echoing the sentiment using hashtags like #BlackoForAOTY and #TGMA2026.
Black Sherif, affectionately known as Blacko, currently leads the TGMA 2026 nominations with an impressive nine nods, the highest of any artist.
He is competing in major categories including Artist of the Year, Album/EP of the Year (Iron Boy), Songwriter of the Year (“Sacrifice”), Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, Best Afropop Song (“Sacrifice”), Best Hip-Hop Song (“Where Dem Boyz”), Best Music Video (“Sacrifice”), Best International Collaboration (“So It Goes” with Fireboy DML), and Most Popular Song of the Year.
Other strong contenders in the Artist of the Year category include Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, King Promise, King Paluta, and Kweku Smoke. The race is widely regarded as one of the most competitive in recent TGMA history.
Kwesi Arthur’s endorsement carries significant weight. As a respected voice in Ghanaian hip-hop and founder of the Ground Up collective, his opinion resonates deeply with both artists and fans. Many see his statement as a call for recognition of authentic impact over popularity metrics alone.
Black Sherif’s Dominant Nominations
Black Sherif’s year has been marked by consistent output, deep lyrical storytelling, and growing international appeal. Tracks like “Sacrifice” and “Where Dem Boyz” have dominated playlists, while his sophomore album Iron Boy has been praised for its vulnerability and cultural relevance.
Earlier this month, Black Sherif himself stirred conversation by backing Wendy Shay as a top contender for the same award, showing the mutual respect within the industry.
Social media reactions have been fiery.One user posted, “Kwesi Arthur said it himself… Black Sherif is the Artist of the Year. No debate. If he doesn’t win we will riot.” Another clip shared widely read, “Based on the year under review, Black Sherif should win Artist of the Year. If he doesn’t, we riot.”
Mixed Reactions from Fans
Not everyone agrees, however. Some fans of Stonebwoy and Sarkodie argue that their consistent body of work and live performance energy deserve equal consideration. Others point to the growing influence of female artistes and gospel crossovers in the conversation.
The TGMA, organized by Charterhouse, remains Ghana’s biggest music awards platform. This year’s edition promises heightened drama, especially with the addition of attractive prize packages, including Guinness Ghana’s GH¢100,000 award for select winners. The TGMA Xperience Concert is also generating pre-event buzz as a platform for nominated artistes to showcase their talent.
Kwesi Arthur’s “riot” comment has undoubtedly added fuel to an already heated award season. Whether it sways voters or simply amplifies Black Sherif’s dominance remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Ghanaian music lovers are deeply invested in who takes home the ultimate prize.
As nominations continue to dominate discussions, one thing is certain, the road to TGMA 2026 is paved with passion, rivalry, and unforgettable moments. Blacko Tribe is already mobilizing and if Kwesi Arthur is to be believed, they won’t go down quietly.
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