Award-winning reggae and dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku has voiced his surprise over not yet receiving the Best Male Vocalist award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), despite what he describes as his strong vocal ability and distinct tone.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Queen of Evening Drive – Akua Sika, on the Happy Evening Drive show, the “Me Mpaebo” hitmaker said he often gets asked why he hasn’t been recognized for his vocal strength, a question he admits even he doesn’t have an answer to.
“Ask them why haven’t I been recognized as the male vocalist yet,” he said with a mix of humor and sincerity. “A lot of people keep asking me why, but myself, I don’t have answers because I also don’t understand it. I have the vocal ability, and my voice is unique. I just hope one day I’ll be recognized at the TGMAs as Best Male Vocalist.”
But he also paused to give credit where it’s due. Ras Kuuku made a point of acknowledging the support he’s gotten from industry players, from fellow artists to promoters, radio, producers and everyone who believes in his craft.
He remembered the euphoria in the auditorium; the cheers, the energy, the reactions, including from TGMA stakeholders themselves, when he won Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year in 2020.  That moment, he said, showed him that people appreciate what he does, even if some awards haven’t been handed yet.
The Puom leader also touched on his gospel-inspired songs, stressing that some of his previous releases such as “Mpaebo”, “Gyedi”, and “Tumi”, could easily fit into the TGMA Gospel Song of the Year category. He further revealed that he is currently working on a new gospel track, which he plans to submit for nomination in the next edition of the awards.
“As for that category, I’m working on a song I’ll nominate for Gospel Song of the Year next year. But even now, my songs Me Mpaebo, Tumi and Gyedi all fit the category.”
Despite his relaxed demeanor, Ras Kuuku admitted that awards still matter to him and to every serious artiste.
“Every musician wants to be recognized for their work,” he confessed. “Those who say they don’t care about awards still feel it deep down when they’re not recognized.”
