Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, Head of Public Relations for Burniton Music Group (BMG), has asserted no else but Afro-Dancehall originator Stonebwoy is fit to lift the Artiste of the Year (AoTY) trophy at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

“With regard to the category definition that places premium on the artiste with the highest audience appeal and highest nominations, no one in that category beats Stonebwoy,” she told Graphic Showbiz.

The TGMAs Board defines the AoTY as “the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the artiste with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the year under review. The artiste(s) must have released a hit single/EP/album and must be one of the artistes with the highest nominations in the year under review”.

Last year, Stonebwoy, the founder and CEO of BMG, was crowned the AoTY for the second time. He declared it was his third year, in fact, claiming had the 2019 announcement been made, he would have been the winner and not the other favourite for the night, his archrival Shatta Wale.

Explaining Stonebwoy merits the accolade consecutively in 2025, Vida said, “First, Stonebwoy has three major hits, Psalm 23, Ekelebe and Jiggle and Whine on the Up and Runnin6 album, and they have been nominated in various categories in this year's TGMAs. This is a record no artiste in the calendar year can boast of.

“Imagine a solid 13-track album which features Wyclef Jean, Spice, Odumodublvck, Ginton IR Sais, Duncan Mighty, Amaria BB, which has gained popularity not only in Ghana but the Caribbeans and globally.

“Also, this year, Stonebwoy had eight nominations, making him the highest nominee in this year's TGMA, and none of his contenders in AOTY category beats that record.”

Vida emphasised, “His street credibility is unmatched, his shows are always sold out not just in Ghana but his recent tour in the UK proves his appeal beyond our country.”

The BMG executive addressed critics who held a back-to-back win for Stonebwoy would be unfair to stars who were professionally younger.

For its 26th edition taking place on May 3, 2025, the TGMAs sees Black Sherif, King Promise, King Paluta, Joe Mettle, Team Eternity Ghana (TEG) and Stonebwoy competing for the ultimate glory – Black Sherif, Joe Mettle and Stonebwoy being past winners.

“For those saying that he's won it before so he should leave it for the youngsters, let them understand that Stonebwoy's brand is built on hard work and consistency. His consistency has made him the people’s favourite performer and Ghana's biggest music export. We shouldn't compromise on consistency just to reward new entrants into the AOTY category,” Vida underlined.