TGMA: Kontihene remains first new artist to win ‘Artist of the Year’ after 21 years

Legendary Ghanaian hiplife artist Emmanuel Nana Appiah Boateng, known by his stage name Kontihene, holds an unbeatable double record in the history of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) after 21 years.

In 2003, Kontihene won the "New Artist of the Year" award, "Popular Song of the Year" for his track "Aketesea" from his debut album "Nyankonton", and was also awarded the overall "Artist of the Year".

Since then, no new artist has been able to replicate his feat of winning both the "New Artist of the Year" and "Artist of the Year" categories over the past 21 consecutive TGMA editions.

Kontihene grew up in Kumasi, Ghana's second largest city located in the Ashanti Region.

He received his basic education at Martyrs of Uganda School and Opoku Ware Secondary School. He is skilled in piano and saxophone.

The 25th TGMA ceremony will take place on June 1, 2024. Nominations were announced on March 28 during the launch event at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Artists nominated for "Artist Of The Year" include Black Sherif, King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Nacee, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy.

Founded in 1999 by Charter House, the TGMAs were previously called the VGMAs. They recognize Ghanaian musicians' contributions to the music industry.

Held annually, the awards celebrate talented artists. The ceremony is broadcast locally and internationally on television.