Telecel Ghana has applauded reggae-dancehall musician, Epixode with the Music for Good Award for his outstanding purpose-driven music, advocating against illegal mining and its environmental destruction in mining communities at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs). Epixode received a prestigious recognition plaque and a sum of GH¢20,000.
The award acknowledges Epixode’s efforts in bringing increased awareness to one of Ghana’s most critical environmental crises, galamsey (illegal mining) and its devastating impact on the nation’s forest reserves, poisoning rivers, and threatening livelihoods through his song titled “Chooboi.”
The Music for Good Award aims is to appreciate artistes who go beyond their craft to use their influence for good causes including environmental sustainability, youth mentorship, health, education, and social development.
Presenting the award at the TGMAs, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai expressed the telco’s appreciation for musicians who actively promote initiatives for positive social change.
“Every year, we look forward to honouring musicians who go beyond their craft to champion positive social causes that delivers impact. I will encourage artistes to use their star power to advocate on issues that have a profound impact on people’s lives,” Ing. Obo-Nai said.
Following his recognition, Epixode in a video message expressed gratitude to Telecel Ghana for the recognition and advised fellow musicians to use their music not only to trend but transform. “Melodies and lyrics should be used to stir consciousness, speak truth, inspire hope and challenge the system that holds the people in chains. Let’s add our voice to help stop galamsey now,” Epixode said.
Over the past five years, several artistes have been honoured for their impactful contributions through the then Green Award, which was merged into the Music for Good Award in 2024. Last year, gospel artiste Eugene Zuta won the recognition for his multi-approach advocacy against human trafficking. In 2023, Worlasi got the honour for his “Giving Shade” tree-planting project, which transformed areas of Accra into greener neighbourhoods. Stonebwoy clinched the award in 2022 for his song ‘Greedy Men’, which highlighted socio-economic challenges which affect communities, including weak leadership, illegal mining, corruption and child labour.
The Music for Good Award underscore the power of music in driving social change in Ghana. In its 26th year, the TGMAs remain Ghana’s biggest annual music awards scheme for recognising outstanding and performing music talents across multiple genres, in the year under review.
