Kuami Eugene Worried over TGMA Songwriter of the Year Snubs
Musician Kuami Eugene says he’s hurt by years of missing out on the Telecel Ghana Music Awards’ Songwriter of the Year award.
In an interview, he argued that his commercial success hasn’t translated into recognition for his song writing.
The Highlife and Afrobeats artiste said the snub stings despite fans and the industry acknowledging his work.
“Never received Songwriter of the Year, and that, trust me, hurts me so much,” he said.
“My songwriting abilities, you don’t seem to recognize them. They enjoy the songs. ‘Oh, Kuami Eugene wrote this song, he’s good.’ But don’t give me the award for it.”
He said he’s been nominated in the category before but has never won.
He believes the awards favour less mainstream tracks over big hits.
“They normally give it to the obscure song… Most of the songs I’ve written are big bangers, and they don’t see big bangers as lasting music.”
He cited his work for gospel artiste Joyce Blessing as an example, saying the song didn’t even receive a nomination.
“And ‘Big for’ Joyce Blessing, I didn’t even get a nomination for that. It was crazy, but it’s all good. It’s TGMA. It’s not the public,” he said.
According to Kuami Eugene, the public would vote differently if given more say.
He pointed to songs like “Nyame” and “Watch Me” as tracks he believed deserved a nomination.
“If they allow the public, they’ll do justice to my songs,” he said.
“If you give them the chance to vote, people vote for songs like ‘Nyame’… or ‘Watch Me’. That was another beautiful piece. At least ‘Watch Me’ should get a nomination, or ‘Victory’ for Joyce Blessing should get some nomination.”
The frustration has made him reconsider his approach. He said he may start writing quieter, less commercial songs to fit what he sees as the award scheme’s preference.
