VETERAN gospel Acapella group Alabaster Box is making a strong pitch for the introduction of a dedicated Acapella category at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), arguing that the genre has grown significantly and deserves formal recognition.

Marking 30 years in the music industry this year, the group believes Acapella music has evolved beyond the margins and now commands a substantial following within Ghana’s music space.

Speaking to Graphic Showbiz in an interview on Monday, February 2, the group said it was appealing without hesitation, stressing that the move was long overdue.

“We are making this call because Acapella music has grown over the years and has a huge following,” the group said.

“Alabaster Box has received just one Ghana Music Awards nomination, and that was in 2001 when we were nominated in the Best Male Vocalist category alongside Highlife artiste Nana Fynn.”

At the time, they explained, Alabaster Box was one of the few recognised Acapella groups in the country. However, the landscape has since changed, with several groups now making notable contributions to the industry.

“Today, groups such as Grace Notes, Soul Street and Sons of God are doing remarkable work. They have strong bodies of work and videos on YouTube, so there is enough content and competition to justify a dedicated category,” the group added.

Reflecting on their 2001 nomination, the leader of the group, Samuel Narku Dowuona, said many industry players underestimated their impact because they were an Acapella act, a perception he believes has persisted over the years.

He noted that this has kept the genre largely in the shadows, particularly at major award schemes such as the TGMA.

“When the Ghana Music Awards started, Highlife was the dominant genre. Later, Hiplife emerged and successfully campaigned for its own category.

“Today, there are categories for Hiplife, Hip-Hop and Afropop. This shows that when organisers recognise growth, they respond accordingly”, he said.

According to him, if Charterhouse, organisers of the Ghana Music Awards, introduce an Acapella category, it would not only attract healthy competition but also elevate the genre.

Formed in 1995, Alabaster Box is a quartet made up of Samuel Narku Dowuona (Leader), Gideon Allotey (Bass), Horst Ayub (Falsetto) and Michael Allotey (Tenor). Over the years, the group has remained a powerful force in gospel music, inspiring audiences at home and abroad. (Read Alabaster Box is 30 years; to host anniversary concert on Feb. 28)

Widely regarded as Ghana’s most successful Acapella group, Alabaster Box has performed on prestigious international platforms, including the Commonwealth Day Multi-Faith Observance at Westminster Abbey in London, where they sang before Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth on March 10, 2003.

They also represented West Africa at the Commonwealth People’s Festival in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, in October 2001, showcasing Ghana’s rich musical heritage on a global stage.

After three decades in the gospel music industry, the group is also offering guidance to emerging Acapella acts, urging them to remain authentic and distinct.

“It is crucial that the music you create is word-based and reflects your uniqueness as Ghanaians,” they advised.

They stressed that originality is essential for longevity in the industry.

A“If you try to imitate others, you will always remain in their shadow. For example, if you say you are copying Alabaster Box, you will forever be under the shadow of Alabaster Box. Your uniqueness should represent who you are and even the country you come from”, he stated.