As the countdown to Ghana’s biggest music night reaches its final hours, Highlife superstar Kuami Eugene has thrown his weight behind rapper Medikal for the most coveted award: Artiste of the Year.
Speaking on the sidelines of his recent media tour today, Friday, May 8, 2026, the former winner of the category (2020) stated that while the competition is fierce, Medikal’s consistency and "Planning & Plotting" run throughout 2025 make him the most deserving candidate for the 27th edition.
The "Signature" Endorsement
Kuami Eugene’s support comes at a crucial time, just 24 hours before the main event at the Grand Arena.
Work Ethic: Eugene noted that Medikal’s ability to sell out the Planning & Plotting concert and his sheer volume of hit features in the year under review set him apart. "Medikal has worked extremely hard.
The "Lyrical Joe" Factor: Kuami Eugene also joked that since he isn't in the category this year, he can be an objective observer. He praised Medikal for maintaining his "street credibility" while achieving massive commercial success.
The "No Libilibi" Mantra: Medikal himself has been vocal about his expectations, recently telling fans at the Papa Nantwie Festival that there should be "no libilibi, no labalaba" (no cutting corners) in the selection process, as he believes he outperformed all rivals in 2025.
TGMA 27 Artiste of the Year: The Contenders
The 27th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, features one of the most unpredictable "Artiste of the Year" lineups in history:
| Nominee | Key Power Move (2025/2026) |
| Medikal | Sold-out concerts and the Planning & Plotting momentum. |
| Black Sherif | Massive global streaming numbers with the Iron Boy album. |
| Stonebwoy | Critical acclaim for the Torcher EP and headline BHIM Fest. |
| Sarkodie | A strong "legacy" comeback with six total nominations. |
| Diana Hamilton | The sole gospel contender with the hit "Aha Ye." |
| Wendy Shay | Dominant year for female Afropop with the Ready album. |
Kuami Eugene on "Life After Awards"
Despite his endorsement, Kuami Eugene was quick to add that the TGMA should not be the "end-all" for any artiste.
Defining Success: Just yesterday, May 7, he told Graphic Online that while winning adds value, it doesn't define self-worth.
Focus on "Do Better": The singer is currently promoting his latest Highlife anthem, "Do Better," which is already a favorite for "Highlife Song of the Year" for the 2027 cycle.
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