Ghanaian traditional music icon Sherifa Gunu has voiced strong concern over the decision to drop the Traditional Artiste category from the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, warning that it weakens the visibility of indigenous music in Ghana’s creative space.
In an interview with Anita Akuffo on TV3 on April 16, 2026, she said the move reinforces a long-standing pattern where traditional performers are not given equal attention within the industry.
She stressed that Ghana has a wealth of indigenous talent that continues to operate without the level of recognition and backing enjoyed by mainstream genres.
According to her, with stronger investment and proper promotion, many traditional artistes could easily reach international milestones.
“We have very serious artistes in the country. If they had been getting support like other artistes are getting and making money, we would have had many Grammy stories from this country,” she said.
Sherifa Gunu also made a case for pushing indigenous sounds beyond local audiences, arguing that they are a key expression of Ghana’s cultural identity and deserve global exposure.
“We need to take artistes who do indigenous music seriously in the country. Bring the artiste out, let’s sing. If the world wants to hear music, we are ready,” she shared.
Touching on the global rise of African music, she referenced the Grammys and noted the increasing inclusion of African categories, but questioned how Ghanaian traditional acts can benefit without local support systems.
“Because of Ghana, they have put so many categories into the Grammys. They even added Highlife, but they’re still looking to see who will vibe to the world,” she noted.
“The more you vibe to the world, the more they get access to us. If we don’t get help to get to the top, how will they get access to me? That’s the problem we’re facing.”
She further argued that removing the category from the TGMAs sends the wrong message about how traditional music is valued in the country.
“They don’t take traditional artistes seriously, that’s why they omitted the traditional artiste category from the TGMAs,” Sherifa Gunu emphasised.
Watch her statement below.
@tv3gh_official @sherifa.gunureacts to the omission of the Traditional Artiste category from the TGMA. #TheAfternoonShow #TV3GH ♬ original sound – TV3 Ghana
