The recent reforms of the Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have sparked conversations across the entertainment industry, particularly with the introduction of a new category for Urban Gospel. The category, labeled ‘Urban/Contemporary Song of the Year,’ has been largely embraced by practitioners within the Urban Gospel community. However, some industry stakeholders have expressed discontent, arguing that the reforms should have instead separated ‘Dancehall’ from the ‘Reggae and Dancehall’ category, allowing both genres to stand independently.

Prominent voices such as Caleb Nii Boye, Roland Amartey (media attaché to Shatta Wale), and Ezekiel Tetteh (Head of Productions at 3 Music TV) have criticized the inclusion of Urban Gospel. Their stance suggests that while Urban Gospel deserves recognition, the structural change in the TGMA categories could have been directed at giving Dancehall its own independent category alongside Reggae.

These critiques, however, did not sit well with Joseph Smart Amenuveve Kwodwo, popularly known as JSmart. The entertainment journalist, co-founder of Modern Tech and Media Consult, and curator of Ghana’s leading Urban Gospel event, Urban Gospel Rave, has been vocal about defending the new category.

Taking to his social media platforms, JSmart openly challenged the critics, sparking a heated debate that culminated in his invitation to Sammy Flex TV’s ‘Real Talk’ podcast. In the interview with ace journalist Sammy Flex, who also manages Shatta Wale, JSmart passionately defended the inclusion of the Urban Gospel category, deeming it a “long overdue decision.”

JSmart highlighted the significant progress and contributions of Urban Gospel artistes over the past year. “Within the period of 2024, Urban Gospel recognized over fifty artistes churning out songs, not just releasing them but following up with proper promotions,” he said. “Among these fifty individuals were others who produced more than two songs and even full albums.”

He provided specific examples, citing songs like Kobby Psalms’ ‘Never Forget,’ H. Hardy’s ‘Alive,’ Scott Evans’ ‘Grateful,’ Raf Able’s collaboration with Cwesi Oteng on ‘You No Dey See,’ Quabena Asare’s ‘Radical For Christ,’ and Team Eternity’s ‘Defe Defe.’ He further mentioned Seth Diamond and Joseph Matthew as part of the movement creating impactful music.

Comparing Urban Gospel to Dancehall, JSmart had this to say; “Which dancehall songs can we mention on top of our heads for just last year alone?” JSmart questioned, emphasizing the consistency and quality of Urban Gospel releases. He argued that Urban Gospel artistes have not only been consistent but have also heavily invested in their craft.

“Look at the investments these guys are making — the quality of songs and visuals they put out. We have Scott Evans traveling overseas just to record. Jonn Winner is traveling to Dubai and South Africa to shoot visuals. Apart from Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, and maybe Samini, which other Dancehall artiste even knows where our local airport is? These are what we call investments and competition.”

JSmart also pointed out the prominence of Urban Gospel artistes on major platforms, stating, “Event-wise, these Urban Gospel artistes are headlining their own events and mounting other big stages that Dancehall artistes can’t go near.”

In commending TGMA for the recognition, JSmart concluded his argument by a passionate plea that shed more light on the strides made by Urban Gospel artistes and their undeniable impact on Ghana’s music industry.
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