The Ghanaian rap scene is always buzzing, and the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) are a major highlight. This year, rapper Lyrical Joe has voiced his disappointment in not securing the Rap Performance of the Year award at the 26th TGMA. In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with DJ Slim and Doreen Avio, Lyrical Joe opened up about the effort behind his track ‘5th August 8’ and his passion for the Rap Performance category. While disappointed, he also shares his reasons for not publicly complaining. This article dives into Lyrical Joe’s TGMA Rap Award reaction, the context surrounding the award, and what it means for the rapper moving forward.

Lyrical Joe’s disappointment stems from the immense effort he poured into his track ‘5th August 8’. He emphasized the significant workload and dedication required to produce the song and its accompanying visuals. As he explained, “Yeah [I was disappointed this year], because last year’s 5th August caused me a lot of stress and a lot of work went into it. Slim, you know it’s not easy to shoot a 10mins hiphop video and keep it top notch.” This highlights the ambition and commitment behind the track, making the loss particularly felt.

Beyond the specific track, Lyrical Joe revealed his continuous efforts in campaigning for the Rap Performance of the Year award when nominated. This category holds special significance for him, and he actively engages his fanbase to support his work. “As for me anytime I’m nominated I do it [campaign for it], even my fans alone they would not let people sleep online. They want us to have the best rap performance and everything,” he stated, showcasing his commitment to the genre and his active engagement with his dedicated supporters. His passion for the award made the outcome even more poignant.

Despite his disappointment, Lyrical Joe explained his reasoning for not publicly complaining about the results. He acknowledged the difficulty in expressing dissatisfaction without appearing disrespectful to the winner or creating unnecessary negativity within the industry. “So there’s never any clean way to complain you just leave it alone,” he noted. It’s a mature approach, recognizing the potential pitfalls of public grievances and choosing to focus on future endeavors.

At the 26th TGMA, Kwaku Smoke ultimately won the award for his performance on ‘Holy Ghost.’ Other nominees in the Rap Performance category included ‘Manual’ by Eno Barony, ‘No Competition’ by Okyeame Kwame, ‘Brag’ by Sarkodie, and ‘King is Back’ by Flowking Stone. The competition was fierce, showcasing the diverse talent within the Ghanaian rap landscape.

Notably, Lyrical Joe secured the same award in 2022 with his ‘5th August 5’, proving his capabilities and solidifying his position in the rap scene. This previous win adds context to his disappointment this year, highlighting his consistent drive for excellence and recognition.

Lyrical Joe’s TGMA Rap Award reaction to not winning reveals the passion and effort he invests in his music. While disappointed, his decision to refrain from public complaints demonstrates maturity and respect for the other artists. The rapper remains a significant figure in the Ghanaian rap scene, and fans eagerly anticipate his future projects. This experience will likely fuel even greater creativity and determination from Lyrical Joe.