"Submission alone can’t win you a Grammy, lobbying does the magic" — Rex Omar

Rex Omar, an experienced musician and presidential staff member, has stressed that winning a Grammy requires far more than simply submitting work for consideration.

Speaking in an interview with JoyPrime, he explained that major international record labels invest heavily in promoting their artistes, giving them a competitive advantage that independent musicians cannot match.

He noted that many Ghanaian artistes assume that domestic success naturally translates into international recognition, but the Grammy process does not operate on that assumption. Rex Omar questioned how many established record companies actively lobby for their artistes to win, pointing out that visibility, networking, and financial investment all play a crucial role.

According to him, artistes who do not have well-resourced record labels backing and lobbying for them are unlikely to win, with the highest achievement for many being a nomination. He emphasised that despite the Academy’s rules against undue influence, the music industry still rewards those with strong networks and strategic promotional power.

Rex Omar urged Ghana’s music industry to build more solid support systems through partnerships, public relations investment, and international exposure. He concluded that while talent remains important, success at the Grammys demands strategy, industry backing, and serious lobbying.