KiDi recalls being told his music was not ‘Artiste of the Year’Award-winning

Award-winning Ghanaian musician KiDi has opened up about a painful moment early in his career when he was told that his style of music did not have what it took to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year award at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs). The singer said the comment stayed with him, making his eventual triumph in the category even more meaningful.

Speaking in a recent interview, KiDi said he continues to look forward to the annual awards ceremony because it brings Ghana’s leading musical talents together under one roof. Beyond the competition for trophies, he said he enjoys the performances, fashion, entertainment and unexpected drama that have become part of the event, describing the ceremony as a major celebration of Ghanaian music.

KiDi recalled that an unnamed figure in the music industry once questioned whether his sound was suited to winning the night’s biggest prize. According to the musician, the individual believed another artiste was producing the type of music more likely to be recognised as Artiste of the Year, leaving KiDi with doubts about whether his own style could reach that level.

However, instead of allowing the criticism to define him, KiDi continued to focus on his craft and career. He said the words resurfaced in his mind while he was seated at the awards ceremony on the night he realised he had a real chance of winning the coveted award—a moment that forced him to reflect on how far he had come.

When his name was finally announced as the winner, KiDi said the emotion of the moment was overwhelming. The singer revealed that he was so consumed by the significance of the achievement that he could barely remember what he said during his acceptance speech, describing the experience as one of the most powerful moments of his career.

KiDi’s story offers a striking reminder of how quickly doubts can be overturned through persistence, talent and consistency. What began as a warning that his music was not “Artiste of the Year” material ultimately ended with him claiming the very honour he had once been told was beyond the reach of his sound, turning an early criticism into a defining chapter of his musical journey.

Written By: Promise