In a night that belonged to the ‘Iron Boy’, Black Sherif has been crowned the Artiste of the Year at the 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

The star-studded ceremony, held on Saturday, 9 May 2026, at a capacity-filled Grand Arena, saw the 24-year-old superstar reclaim the industry’s highest honour for the second time in his career. His victory marks a rare achievement, joining an elite group of multiple-time winners after his initial triumph in 2023.

READ ALSO: Full List Of Winners At The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards

The battle for the ultimate prize was a two-horse race that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the early hours of Sunday morning. Black Sherif faced his stiffest competition from the Medikal, who enjoyed a stellar night with four awards.

However, Black Sherif’s dominance across multiple categories proved insurmountable, as he walked away with a staggering five trophies, including the following:

• Artiste of the Year
• Album/EP of the Year (Iron Boy)
• Songwriter of the Year (Sacrifice)
• Best Hiphop Song (Where Dem Boys)
• Best Afropop Song (Sacrifice)

To secure the crown, the Konongo Zongo native also had to outshine a formidable field of nominees, including Medikal, Stonebwoy, Wendy Shay, Sarkodie and Diana Hamilton.

The April 2025 release of his sophomore album, Iron Boy, was the definitive factor in his victory. The project did more than just top charts; it provided a cultural soundtrack for the year, blending introspective songwriting with global drill and highlife influences.

Black Sherif’s year under review was characterised by unparalleled consistency, massive digital streaming numbers, and a series of high-profile international performances that kept the Ghanaian flag flying at the world’s biggest music festivals.

Taking the stage amidst a thunderous standing ovation and a sea of camera flashes, an emotional Black Sherif paid tribute to his roots. Clad in a striking avant-garde ensemble, he dedicated the win to his hometown of Konongo and every young Ghanaian grinding in the trenches.

Black Sherif’s second Artiste of the Year win solidifies his position as the leading voice of Africa’s Gen-Z music movement. His ability to balance commercial success with deep, often sombre, lyrical themes has redefined what it means to be a mainstream artist in Ghana.

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Black Star Festival, a celebration of Ghana’s vibrant cultural legacy and its deepening connection to the African diaspora, has been launched in Accra.

The initiative, aimed at expanding and deepening the exploration of Ghana’s culture, is being organised in partnership with the National Commission on Culture (NCC).

It is spearheaded by GD Visionary Group Ltd, which is committed to creating an annual platform to strengthen ties across continents, ensuring that cultural celebration, business opportunities, and youth engagement remain central to the continent’s growth.

Speaking at the launch held on 17 June 2025 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, the Head of Marketing and Public Relations for the event, Cyril-Alex Kudzo Gockel, highlighted how landmark initiatives like The Year of Return and Beyond the Return have reignited global engagement, fostering strong cultural and economic bonds between Ghana and the wider African community.

“These efforts laid the foundation for what we are building today, a future where connection goes beyond a moment in time and transforms into a lasting movement,” he said.

He announced that the maiden events are scheduled for September 2025 in the United States and October 2025 in Ghana.

The Black Star Festival is expected to bring Ghana to the world and the world to Ghana, engaging academics, university students, entrepreneurs, businesses, and creatives from across the diaspora.

According to Cyril, Nigeria is also a collaborating partner, helping to amplify the message that Africa’s future shines brightest when we stand together, embracing shared identity and opportunity.

“Expect culturally relevant and dynamic music, fashion, visual art, theatre, and business activations that not only celebrate Ghana’s heritage but also position our nation as a global leader in cultural innovation and investment,” he said.

The Executive Director of the National Commission on Culture (NCC), Wakefield Ackuoku, noted that the Black Star Festival aligns with the goals of the government’s Blackstar Experience initiative.

“The Black Star Experience didn’t come from a vacuum. It is building on what has already been started, since government is a continuum. You know of the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, and now we are building the Blackstar Experience into the future,” he stated.

He also mentioned how important the concept of the event is to the National Commission on Culture. 

“When GD Vision approached the National Commission on Culture for us to do such a programme, we could only agree that this is a laudable one.

Now, what is happening is, we have sold Ghana in various forms, but this particular event is unique because it offers an opportunity called a touch of gold,” he noted.

The Washington edition, slated for 26 to 30 September 2025, will feature creative artists such as Serge Attukwei Clottey, Samuel Lovi, Betty Acquah, Kwame Akoto Bamfo and Ibrahim Mahama.

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