Ghanaian twin music duo Lali X Lola have added their voice to calls on the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) to reinstate the Group of the Year category, following the scrapping of the category some years ago.
Via a social media presser, the duo expressed their concerns while accepting the boards decision to omit the category from the award scheme.
“We understand the Board’s position that there may not be sufficient number of qualifying groups to sustain the category. However we believe this reasoning presents a classic chicken and egg situation,” they said.
According the them, the absence of the category could contribute further to the decline in music groups in the music industry since it is a discouragement to such individuals who want to form groups in the music scene.
“The absence of the category may inadvertently contribute to the very challenge it seeks to address.”
Lali and Lola acknowledged the vital part TGMA plays in the Ghanaian music space, mentioning the growth of many musicians who have gained prominence associating themselves with the award scheme since inception.
They duo further said maintaining Group of the Year category is a right thing to do because it will boost the confidence of investors to invest into the music industry and music groups knowing they will be able to recoup every dime they spend.
“Award platforms like TGMA play a critical role not only in recognizing excellence but also in shaping industry behavior and growth… By maintaining the Group of the Year category, the scheme actively encourages the formation, development and sustainability of music groups.”
“Conversely, it’s removal risks discouraging investments in group acts, which are already more complex to manage, brand and sustain compared to solo artistes.”
Full Statement Below:
