Rapper Lyrical Joe Reflects on 26th TGMA Disappointment
Ghanaian rapper Lyrical Joe voiced his disappointment at not securing the Best Rap Performance award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), held on May 10, 2025, at the Accra International Conference Centre. Speaking on Hitz FM’s Dabreak Hitz with DJ Slim and Doreen Avio, he highlighted the immense effort invested in his nominated track, “5th August 8,” which he felt warranted recognition.
Lyrical Joe explained that producing “5th August 8” was particularly challenging, noting, “It’s not easy to shoot a 10-minute hip-hop video and keep it top-notch.” He emphasized the stress and creativity poured into the project, which fueled his hope for the award. A previous winner in 2022 for “5th August 5,” Lyrical Joe consistently campaigns for the category, supported by fervent fans who actively promote his work online.
The Best Rap Performance award went to Kwaku Smoke for his track “Holy Ghost,” surpassing other nominees, including Eno Barony’s “Manual,” Okyeame Kwame’s “No Competition,” Sarkodie’s “Brag,” and Flowking Stone’s “King is Back.” Despite his disappointment, Lyrical Joe refrained from public complaints, acknowledging that criticizing the outcome could seem disrespectful to the winner. “There’s no clean way to complain,” he remarked.
Lyrical Joe acknowledged his respect for the TGMA process and fellow artists, even as he expressed genuine disappointment. The rapper’s focus remains on his craft, with fans continuing to rally behind him on platforms like X, where sentiments echoed both support for his work and debates over the award’s outcome. The TGMA, a cornerstone of Ghanaian music, continues to spark passionate discussions about artistic excellence.