With the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) set to reach its decisive moment on Saturday, May 9, attention has shifted sharply to the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) category, where competition has tightened into a high-stakes contest.
At the centre of the conversation is rapper Medikal, who is openly making his case for the top honour. He finds himself up against a strong lineup that includes Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Wendy Shay, Sarkodie and Diana Hamilton, yet insists his body of work this year places him in a different bracket.
Much of his confidence is anchored on the success of his hit record Shoulder and what he describes as a highly productive year across releases and performances. Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, April 27, Medikal, born Samuel Adu Frimpong, said this campaign marks a shift in his usual approach to award season.
“Over the past decade, I have received Artiste of the Year nominations, but I never campaigned. This edition, based on the work I’ve put in—from the hit singles and the Distribution II album to my sold-out stadium show, it’s obvious I’ve gone above and beyond,” he said.
He was quick to stress that his position is not rooted in disregard for his fellow nominees, but in what he believes has been a standout cultural and commercial run.
“I respect everybody in the category, but I deserve to win. I’ve put in the work, and Ghanaians know it. At the end of the day, it’s about impact, and I’ve made a strong case this year,” he added.
This year alone, Medikal has secured eight nominations, spanning Artiste of the Year, Best Hiplife Song, Best Hiplife/Hip-Hop Artiste, Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, Collaboration of the Year, Album/EP of the Year and Most Popular Song of the Year.
He also singled out Shoulder, which features Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM, as the defining track of 2025, arguing that its reach goes beyond streaming numbers.
“Shoulder is the biggest song of 2025. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about how people live with the music. That’s the real impact. Truth is, I didn’t just release music; I influenced the culture, and my impact was felt all around,” he stated.
For Medikal, one of the most memorable highlights of his year came from the stage, where he performed to a massive crowd and felt the audience respond to every lyric in real time.
“Watching over 40,000 people sing every word while I performed at the sold-out stadium show was something else. That’s the defining moment for me. That’s when you know the work is real, the ultimate validation,” he noted.
He also acknowledged the role of his management team, especially his brother Kofi Jam, in shaping what he describes as a well-executed campaign season.
“Teamwork is very key. My brother and manager, Kofi Jam and I have been leading the charge, ensuring everything runs smoothly,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the awards night, Medikal says a win would mean more than personal recognition, pointing instead to consistency, growth and loyalty from his fanbase, the BYK community.
Still, he is not anchoring his entire year on the outcome. Reflecting on earlier setbacks in his career, he recalled a time when recognition did not translate into wins.
“Very early in my career, I got seven nominations and zero awards. That was a decade ago and I’m still here. So I won’t be discouraged,” he added.
