Fresh controversy has erupted just days before the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), scheduled for May 9, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
A Ghanaian social media user,has publicly accused Black Sherif and his supporters of engaging in vote buying by distributing multiple Telecel SIM cards through an agency for bulk voting in the Artiste of the Year category.
In a post shared earlier today, Prosper BYK tagged the official TGMA and Charterhouse accounts.
“Dear Ghana Music Awards, Black Sherif is engaging in vote buying by using an agency to distribute multiple Telecel SIM cards for bulk voting, which is against the rules. I urge you to please look into this matter, this is not acceptable.”
Prosper BYK , social media user
The post includes a video screenshot compilation from a WhatsApp group named “TELECEL ECHO CAMPUS,” which the accuser claims shows coordinated efforts where participants share multiple phone numbers, purchase votes (e.g., 20 votes for GH₵20), and post confirmation messages such as “Congratulations! Your purchase of 20 votes has been successfully processed, and your votes have been cast for Black Sherif in the Artiste of the Year category.”
Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, leads the nominations with nine nods, including Artiste of the Year, Album/EP of the Year (Iron Boy), Songwriter of the Year (“Sacrifice”), Best Hip-Hop Song, Best Afropop Song, Best Music Video, and others.
His strong performance has made him a clear frontrunner against competitors like Medikal (MDK), Wendy Shay, Stonebwoy, and Sarkodie.
This latest claim adds to ongoing debates about the integrity of the voting process.
Earlier in April, commentator Showboy predicted a contest between Black Sherif and Wendy Shay, alleging that Empire Records – Black Sherif’s label would “buy votes” as a business investment, noting the label’s resources compared to local artists like Medikal.
Public Reactions
Reactions to Prosper BYK’s post have been sharply divided. Supporters of Medikal and critics of Black Sherif see the screenshots as evidence of unfair practices, with some accusing the “agency” of systematic manipulation using multiple SIM cards to bypass one-vote-per-number rules.
Others defend Black Sherif, arguing that enthusiastic fans organizing group votes is common fan activism, not direct involvement by the artist or his label.
Comments in the thread accuse the accuser of hypocrisy, pointing to alleged past vote-buying efforts by Medikal’s camp.
TGMA organizers, operated by Charterhouse, have not yet issued an official response to today’s specific allegations.
The awards typically combine public voting (via SMS and official platforms) with input from industry panels and academy members.
Organizers have previously emphasized rules against multiple voting and fraudulent practices, though enforcement remains a point of contention in Ghana’s award seasons.
Black Sherif has not directly addressed these latest claims. In recent interviews following the nominations announcement, he expressed readiness and gratitude: “I’m so ready,” describing the recognition as a moment of celebration for his journey and fans’ support rather than intense competition.
The controversy highlights persistent issues in Ghana’s music awards.
Past editions of the TGMA (formerly VGMA) have faced similar accusations of inducements, strategic campaigning, and questions over whether outcomes reflect pure artistic merit or financial and organizational power.
Industry voices, including Stonebwoy and others, have called for greater transparency.
As the May 9 ceremony approaches, the Artiste of the Year race remains highly charged. Black Sherif’s camp and fans continue aggressive “get out the vote” campaigns across social media, while rivals push back.
Whether the allegations lead to any formal investigation or simply fuel pre-awards drama remains to be seen.
The TGMA continues to serve as Ghana’s premier platform for honoring musical excellence.
This year’s event, however, risks being remembered as much for off-stage allegations as for on-stage performances unless organizers act swiftly to address concerns about voting integrity.
Supporters on both sides are urged to engage within official rules. No concrete evidence directly linking Black Sherif or Empire Records to the alleged agency has been independently verified beyond the circulating screenshots.
All parties are presumed innocent pending any official findings.
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