Ghanaian rapper and songwriter King Paluta, born Thomas Adjei Wireko, has formally petitioned the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) board following the exclusion of his hit song Makoma from the 2025 nominations list.
In a letter dated March 18, 2025, King Paluta’s management team expressed deep dissatisfaction over what they described as an unjustifiable omission. They emphasized that Makoma was one of the most popular releases within the year under review and was submitted for multiple award categories, including Most Popular Song, Record of the Year, Hiplife Song of the Year, and Songwriter of the Year.
However, when the official list of nominees was released, the song was absent from all categories, leaving the team frustrated and seeking clarification.
King Paluta’s Management Demands Justification
The petition, addressed directly to the TGMA board, raised concerns about transparency and fairness in the nomination process.
“This concern has become necessary after the team realised none of the categories we submitted the said material for were considered,” the statement read.
King Paluta’s team further urged the organizers to provide a convincing explanation for what they termed an “unpopular decision.”
Confidence in the TGMA Board, but Questions Remain
Despite their disappointment, the artist’s management expressed confidence in the credibility of the TGMA board but insisted on the need for an official response.
“We believe in the competence of the TGMA board and trust that a convincing reason be issued to our team, music enthusiasts, and the general public,” the petition continued.
They also reassured the organizers that Makoma did not breach any moral or ethical requirements, arguing that it deserved fair consideration in the awards process.
Makoma’s Impact and Industry Reactions
King Paluta, recognized for his sharp lyricism and contributions to Ghana’s hiplife and rap scene, has amassed a loyal fan base. His song Makoma has received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, making its exclusion from the nominations even more surprising.
Music analysts have also weighed in on the issue, with some questioning whether the omission was an oversight or a reflection of deeper industry dynamics.
A leading Ghanaian music critic, Nana Kwame Boateng, commented on the controversy, saying, “Makoma was a dominant song throughout the year. It had strong radio airplay, streaming numbers, and street credibility. If it didn’t make the nominations, the board must have a strong reason.”
Social media has been abuzz with reactions from fans and fellow musicians. Many have voiced their support for King Paluta, urging the TGMA board to reconsider its stance.
TGMA Yet to Respond
As of now, the TGMA board has not officially responded to the petition. Industry observers speculate that the organizers may release a statement to address the concerns raised by King Paluta’s team.
With mounting public interest in the case, the TGMA board may face increasing pressure to clarify its nomination criteria and the factors that led to Makoma’s exclusion.
What’s Next for King Paluta?
Regardless of the outcome, King Paluta remains a force in Ghana’s music industry. He continues to engage with his audience, promising more music and performances in the coming months. His petition underscores the broader conversation about fairness in award nominations, a topic that has surfaced in previous editions of the Ghana Music Awards.
