The 2nd edition of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) has been officially launched in a bid to recognize the efforts of singers, producers, selectors, DJs, MCs, live bands, and performance artists who have dedicated themselves to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The board, consisting of 7 members with musical and journalism backgrounds, aims to celebrate and honor those who have contributed to the growth of Reggae and Dancehall music in Ghana.
The launch event, which took place at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, was sponsored by Nakanak Travels and Tours and saw the attendance of media personalities and representatives from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) such as Black Santino, Daddy Bosco, Chizzy Wailer, and King Lagazee.
Speaking at the launch, Daniel Yeboah, the CEO of ReggaeCourtEmpire and coordinator of the GRDA, stressed the importance of recognizing and celebrating the genre, which has often been overlooked in the Ghanaian music industry.
He emphasized the need for Reggae and Dancehall to take their rightful place alongside other celebrated genres in the country.
Unlike other award schemes that rely on public voting, the GRDA will strictly rely on the academy and the board to determine the winners, aiming to eliminate any possibility of bias or unfairness in the awards process.
Nominations for this year’s edition will be open from October 10 to November 10, with the nominees slated to be announced on November 20. To build excitement for the event, a Nominees Jam will be held on December 13.
The 1st edition of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards, held in December 2023 at the La Shrine [Laboma], was won by Bongo Fari. As the 2nd edition approaches, the anticipation and excitement within the industry continue to grow.
