Ghana: Reggae and Dancehall Awards to celebrate the genre

Reggae and Dancehall lovers and artistes in Ghana will now have a cause for joy with the launch of the second edition of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA). The move comes after years of frustration over the limited recognition reggae and dancehall artists receives in other music award schemes. The second edition was launched at the Accra Tourist Information Center (ATIC) on Thursday.

The Coordinator for the GRDA 2024, reggae impresario and entrepreneur, Daniel Yeboah said the scheme is a welcome development to appreciate the work of reggae and dancehall artistes. He also called on corporate Ghana to throw its weight behind the scheme to celebrate our hardworking artistes.

Speaking on behalf of the GRDA board, Ahuma Bosco Ocanseyaka Daddy Bosco noted that this is an awards scheme exclusively for reggae dancehall. He indicated that the determination of winners will follow the Grammy model where industry persons will vote to determine who wins what.

He also spoke about the love affair between reggae music and the Ghanaian public noting that Nana Kwame Ampadu recorded the first reggae song by a Ghanaian as far back as 1969 since when artistes like Sympleman Cantey, Felix Bell, General Marcus and Roots Anabo have all contributed their quota to the growth of reggae and dancehall music in Ghana.

According to him, the awards scheme will include a nomineesjam and a workshop for industry players on the changes in the music industry. He noted that, “The music industry is rapidly changing so we will hold an Industry Workshop December 3, 2024 to build our capacities to successfully navigate this digital terrain that the music industry is traversing.”

Other speakers at the launch included ace reggae presenter, King Lagazee who bemoaned what seemed like a discrimination against reggae and dancehall music and musicians. “The reggae and dancehall scene in Ghana is vibrant, diverse, and constantly evolving. Having just two categories at the TGMAs does not do justice to the immense talent, creativity, and contributions of these artists,” King Lagazzee said at the press launch.

On his part, veteran reggae presenter and C.E.O of Yard and Foryn Crew commended reggae and dancehall musicians who have carried the torch over the years.

The GRDAs will commence with call for entries from October 10 to November 10 to be followed by the announcement of nominees on November 31. This will be followed by a Nominees Jam on December 13 with the climax on December 15, 2024 at the Gold Coast Restaurant and Bar in Accra.

The GRDA will cover thirty categories, ensuring a comprehensive and detailed celebration of reggae and dancehall’s various subgenres and contributors. The GRDAs is the second reggae dancehall awards scheme to be held in Ghana after the short lived Bass Awards.

(Source: Ahuma Bosco Ocansey)