A formal request has been submitted to the Board and Academy of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards, urging a review of the nomination list for the Best Afrobeats Artiste category for the 2025/2026 edition. The appeal highlights the notable achievements of Ghanaian Afrobeats star Lasmid during the eligibility period, arguing that his contributions merit recognition among the year’s top nominees.
Addressed to the awards scheme, organized by Charterhouse Ghana in Accra, the request acknowledges the long-standing credibility of the TGMA as Ghana’s most prestigious music institution. However, it raises concerns that key performance metrics such as streaming numbers, viral reach, and international exposure may not have been fully reflected in the current nominations.
Central to the appeal is Lasmid’s strong digital performance across major streaming platforms. With over 111 million streams globally, more than 81 million as a lead artist, his catalogue has demonstrated sustained audience demand. Songs such as Maria, Atele, Puul, Bad Boy, Friday Night, Olivia, Magic, and Ghana Jollof have all contributed to his growing influence within the Afrobeats genre.
On Audiomack, his hit single Olivia alone has recorded over 19 million plays, alongside significant engagement through likes and playlist additions. Similarly, his 2025 release Weekend Vibes achieved over one million combined streams within just four days on Boomplay and Audiomack, signaling strong momentum and fan anticipation.
Beyond streaming, Lasmid’s impact has extended into social media, where tracks like Olivia, Meet 4 Corner, and No Issues have fueled viral trends on TikTok and Instagram. Collectively, his songs have inspired over 100,000 user-generated videos, reflecting widespread cultural engagement and reinforcing his relevance in the modern Afrobeats landscape.
A defining moment in his 2025 run was the release of the collaborative album Sweet Songs For You with Nigerian artist TML Vibez. The project, which blends Ghanaian and Nigerian musical influences, produced standout tracks such as Ghana Jollof, Magic, Olivia, and Meet 4 Corner, all of which performed strongly across streaming platforms and regional charts.
Lasmid’s influence has also been amplified through high-profile collaborations. Notably, his appearance on Lavida Loca with Sarkodie showcased his cross-genre versatility. Additional features on songs like Fowaa, Tsoobi, and Ghetto have further expanded his reach and solidified his position within Ghana’s music ecosystem.
Industry data from 2025 further supports his case. Lasmid ranked among the most streamed Ghanaian artists locally and internationally, placing within the top 10 in Ghana on Spotify and among the top exported Ghanaian acts globally, with over three million listeners and tens of millions of streams. His single Olivia also earned recognition among top songs of the year on Audiomack and appeared on Shazam’s trending charts.
On the global stage, Lasmid was part of Trench Symphony: The Dapper Live Experience, a performance officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest orchestra ever assembled for an Afrobeats concert. This milestone represents a significant artistic achievement for the genre and underscores his participation in internationally acclaimed projects.
The petition concludes that Lasmid’s omission from the Best Afrobeats Artiste category overlooks a year defined by exceptional streaming success, viral influence, strategic collaborations, and global recognition. It respectfully calls on the TGMA Board to revisit the nomination list to ensure it accurately reflects measurable contributions within the review period.
As anticipation builds toward the awards ceremony, the conversation surrounding fairness, data-driven recognition, and representation in Ghana’s music industry continues to gain momentum.
