Ghanaian artiste Kuami Eugene has voiced clear frustration over his repeated exclusion from the ‘Songwriter of the Year’ category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, despite a catalogue packed with chart-topping records.
Speaking in an interview with Anita Akuffo on TV3, the “Sweet Boy” hitmaker said he feels his strength as a songwriter has not translated into industry recognition at the awards.
“Trust me, I am hurt. That is something that hurts me so much. My songwriting abilities, they don’t seem to recognize them. They enjoy the songs, but they don’t give me the award for it. I’ve had the nomination before, but I’ve never received the award,” he said.
He went further to suggest that the category tends to lean toward less commercially popular records rather than mainstream hits, arguing that his biggest records often get overlooked because of their popularity.
“It is also because most of the songs I write are hit songs. I’ve never seen TGMA give Songwriter of the Year to a big song; they normally give it to that obscure song that’s in its corner. But I would rather write a hit song, and they see big bangers as fleeting music,” he added.
Kuami Eugene stressed that he does not place the blame on the public, insisting the final decision lies with the TGMA board and organisers who determine category selections.
“I don’t think it’s the public, it’s TGMA because TGMA decides what gets into the category, and they don’t put it in there, so it’s them,” he explained.
He pointed to songs like “Victory,” written for Joyce Blessing, as well as “Watch Me,” as examples he believes had strong enough writing to earn him the honour.
With a touch of humour, Kuami Eugene added that if the trend continues, he may have to abandon hit-making and start crafting “quiet songs” just to stand a chance at finally winning the award.
Below is a video of his statement.
@tv3gh_official 'Ghanaians don't seem to recognise my songwriting ability. I have never won the Songwriter of the Year award.' – @kuamieugenerockstar ♬ original sound – TV3 Ghana
