Ghanaian rap sensation Lyrical Joe has expressed deep disappointment following his loss in the Best Rap Performance category at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).
In a candid conversation on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz with DJ Slim and Doreen Avio on May 19, 2025, the rapper shared how much effort he poured into his craft over the year in review and admitted he had high hopes of clinching the coveted award.
“Yeah, this year — because last year’s [experience], I guess, cost me a lot of stress, and a lot of work went into that. Slim, you know it’s not easy to shoot a 10-minute hip-hop video and keep it top-notch. And it’s not like I don’t have the numbers or anything like that, so if I’m disappointed, it’s normal.”
Known for his marathon rap sessions, Lyrical Joe consistently raised the bar throughout the year with his signature long-form performances. He notably dropped multiple lengthy rap pieces — some exceeding 10 minutes — showcasing exceptional lyrical dexterity, seamless beat switches, and thought-provoking storytelling.
“I dropped an 11-minute rap song during the year under review, and every fifth [of August], I guess I happen to do that magic — where I rap for like 11 minutes straight, switching beats and talking about a whole lot of things. And when you go into the category, it talks about lyrical dexterity, flow — I mean, I always do that. So just like anyone who gets nominated, anytime I’m nominated, I’m hopeful, yeah,” he explained.
Despite the snub, Lyrical Joe’s fanbase continues to rally behind him, applauding his unmatched lyrical skills and consistency over the years. Many believe his contributions to Ghanaian hip-hop deserve greater recognition on mainstream award platforms.
The 2025 TGMA may not have gone his way, but if Lyrical Joe’s track record is anything to go by, this disappointment could be the fuel for even greater musical feats in the years to come.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah
