The launch took place on Thursday, October 3, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, where a call was made for greater appreciation of the contributions of Reggae and Dancehall to the country's vibrant music scene.

Speaking at the launch, Daddy Bosco, a Board Member of the GRDA, emphasised the need for recognition and proper celebration of the genre, which has long been a cornerstone of Ghanaian music but has often been sidelined.

He underscored that the time had come for Reggae and Dancehall to take its rightful place alongside other celebrated genres in the country.

"The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards aims to fill a significant gap in the Ghanaian music industry.
The introduction of an awards festival dedicated solely to Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana is long overdue.

Ghana holds a special place in Africa's Reggae Dancehall community, known for being highly influential in shaping the sound and culture of the genre. While traditional Highlife music remains iconic, Reggae and Dancehall have become some of the dominant genres in Ghana and across Africa, even influencing many popular gospel tracks. Despite the genre's rich history—spanning over 50 years—it has not always received the respect and recognition it deserves.

For over four decades, there has been no reputable award scheme dedicated solely to Reggae and Dancehall. The genre, however, has shown its strength by selling out international concerts featuring renowned Jamaican Reggae Dancehall artistes alongside their Ghanaian counterparts. We need to do better as a country," he said.

Unlike other award schemes that are open to public voting, the GRDA strictly relies on the academy and the board to determine the winners.

According to the Board, this approach aims to eliminate any possibility of vote buying and ensure fairness in the awards process.

Nominations for this year's edition will be open from October 10 to November 10, with nominees set to be announced on November 20.

To further drum up excitement, a Nominees Jam will be held on December 13.

About Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA)

The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) is a registered organisation in the Republic of Ghana, created to honour and reward stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the growth of the genre.

This includes recognising the efforts of singers, producers, selectors, DJs, MCs, live bands and performance artistes who have dedicated themselves to pushing the boundaries of Reggae and Dancehall.