MC Portfolio (David Adjei Frimpong) and Z.O (Zidibaba O) have delivered a frank assessment of the Artist of the Year category at the just-concluded 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA 2026), praising Black Sherif’s victory while spotlighting campaign missteps, team dynamics, and notable absences that defined the keenly contested race.
Speaking on a recent show, MC Portfolio and Z.O offered balanced reflections on what separated the winner from other top contenders, including Medikal, Wendy Shay, Stonebwoy, and Sarkodie.
Their analysis highlights the critical role of consistent visibility, strategic PR, and deliberate engagement in modern Ghanaian music award campaigns.
Black Sherif, popularly known as Blacko, clinched his second Artist of the Year title after a strong showing that included releasing his album Iron Boy and embarking on a tour. Z.O admitted he expected the win but was impressed by the execution.
“When the list came out, I was just expecting the bare minimum from Blacko. Not to be nonchalant, but actually activate people to vote for him, for the artist of the year. He did that. . Unlike previous years, this year we saw Blacko put out ”
Z.O, Entertainment analyst
“The album, two days, started touring. It’s not seen anywhere,” he said. He also noted that Black Sherif activated his base effectively, setting “a new standard” for Ghanaian artists through tangible deliverables rather than mere noise.
A major talking point was Wendy Shay’s campaign. She dominated early conversations and was widely tipped as a frontrunner, but momentum evaporated in the latter stages. Portfolio attributed this to inadequate sustained PR and team coordination.
“She started a conversation about this whole Artist of the Year… All of a sudden, everything went mute. The conversation was between Medikal and Black Sherif”
MC Portfolio , Entertainment Commentator and panelist
He disclosed personal efforts to support her, “I reached out to Bullets a number of times… ‘Would you need me to do anything?’… I did not get the energy reciprocated.”
MC Portfolio advised that Wendy needs “better people around her” if she wants to challenge herself seriously next year. Despite his soft spot for her as a female artist elevating the conversation, he felt the team failed to capitalize on her strong start and album.
Medikal earned strong praise for his campaign execution.
“I must congratulate Medikal and the team he selected to lead the conversations… They were consistent. They were there, always in our faces, and engaging in conversations online and also on traditional media”
Z.O, Entertainment Analyst
He described Medikal’s performance as impressive, noting he “did well” and “showed that he did really well,” urging him to keep the momentum for future attempts.
On Stonebwoy, Z.O highlighted a noticeable dip in visible energy. The Afro-dancehall star attended a funeral and made a GH¢10,000 donation on awards night instead of being physically present or mounting a heavy campaign. “On the night of the award, he posted something on social media wishing everybody all the best,” he recounted.
Still, Stonebwoy’s name was repeatedly mentioned in the auditorium as a “missing spice,” with many noting “If Stonebwoy was here.”
MC Portfolio acknowledged his historic 10-time Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year record but suggested greater involvement could strengthen his influence.
Sarkodie also came under scrutiny for his low-key posture. Portfolio expressed concern that the rap legend’s minimal engagement could dent his “landlord” status.
“If there is any artist that would give some form of enabling energy to TGMA, I think Sarkodie should be one of them… His nonchalance is costing him and his fans”
MC Portfolio, Entertainment Commentator and panelist
He noted that even with his team represented, Sarkodie walked away with nothing, worrying fans who feel the icon owes the scheme continued support given how TGMA contributed to his decorated career.
IMPACT OF ANALYSIS
MC Portfolio described this year’s race as largely controversy-free from a broader consumer perspective. “If you do your stats to lay people or active music consumers who consume the music of all the nominees, I think Black Sherif may need no counseling. Little or no controversy,” he remarked, while acknowledging passionate fan opinions.
Overall, the entertainment analysts emphasized that success at the TGMAs increasingly demands strategic consistency, strong team coordination, and genuine engagement rather than resting on past laurels. His insights reflect wider industry conversations about evolving award dynamics in Ghana’s vibrant music ecosystem.
As artists like Stonebwoy push new projects such as Torcher II and Black Sherif celebrates his dominance. The analysis serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between artistry, visibility, and legacy-building in Ghanaian music.
READ ALSO: Ghana’s Inflation Risks Trigger BoG Policy Caution
