Iddrisu Rafik Grandpapa, the CEO of Northern Music Awards (NMA), has officially announced the much-anticipated return of his awards scheme after an eight-year break. Launched in 2015, the NMA quickly became a highlight of the Northern Ghana entertainment calendar. However, the awards were abruptly halted after just two editions, following a near-violent clash fueled by the intense rivalry between top Northern artists Maccasio and Fancy Gadam. This rivalry almost escalated into a full-blown conflict, leading to the suspension of the awards.
Over the years, many fans and industry players have missed the excitement and recognition that the NMA brought to Northern music. Calls for the return of the awards have been growing louder, as stakeholders yearn for a platform to celebrate the region’s musical talents. Last night, during an interview on the ‘On & On’ entertainment chat show with DJ Krouch, Grandpapa confirmed that the NMA would indeed be making a comeback. He revealed that the event is scheduled to take place between the end of October and the beginning of November, marking the official return before the close of the year.
In his announcement, Grandpapa emphasized that the NMA would only award participants who are genuinely interested in being part of the scheme. He made it clear that there would be no room for artists who need to be persuaded or begged to participate. This new approach underscores the commitment to recognizing those who are truly dedicated to their craft and eager to be celebrated for their contributions to the Northern music industry.
Furthermore, Grandpapa assured that this year’s edition would come with significant rewards for the winners. Each winner will not only receive a plaque but also a substantial cash prize, making the awards more attractive and meaningful. He also mentioned that in the coming days, there will be an official launch of the scheme, during which he will engage with the media and industry stakeholders to outline the details of the awards. The return of the Northern Music Awards is set to reignite the spirit of competition and celebration within the Northern Ghana music scene. Watch him speak below,
