“Music became my refuge” — Haeven Official shares painful journey behind TGMA Unsung nomination

Haeven Official

An emotional revelation on national television has put the spotlight not only on rising talent but also on the deeper human stories behind Ghana’s music industry.

During an appearance on Showbiz 360, hosted by Giovanni Caleb on TV3 Ghana, TGMA Unsung nominee Haeven Official delivered a heartfelt account of resilience that has since resonated with many.

“I lost my parents, my home, and even had a pastor run away with my fees,” Haeven revealed. “But music became my refuge, my voice, my everything.”

The young artiste, currently nominated in the Unsung category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), opened up about a past marked by loss, betrayal, and hardship. According to him, life took a devastating turn at an early age, forcing him to navigate survival largely on his own. The loss of both parents left him without a stable support system, while subsequent challenges—including being defrauded of his school fees by a trusted religious figure deepened his struggles.

Yet, amid these difficulties, music emerged as a lifeline.

For Haeven, music was not just an artistic pursuit it became a coping mechanism, a form of expression, and ultimately, a pathway to purpose. “It gave me something to hold on to when everything else was falling apart,” he shared during the interview, reflecting on how songwriting and performance helped him process pain and rebuild his identity.

His story underscores the significance of the TGMA Unsung category, which aims to spotlight promising talents who are yet to break into the mainstream. Over the years, the platform organized by Charterhouse Productions—has served as a launchpad for several successful artistes, offering visibility and validation at a critical stage in their careers.

Haeven’s nomination is therefore more than recognition of musical ability; it represents a triumph over adversity. His journey highlights the often-unseen struggles that shape many emerging creatives, reminding audiences that behind the glamour of the stage are stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and survival.