The 2nd edition of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) was officially launched on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Accra Tourist Information Centre. This event marked a call to industry stakeholders to elevate and celebrate the Reggae and Dancehall genre, ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves within Ghana’s vibrant music scene.

Elevating Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana

During the launch, Daddy Bosco, a Board Member of the GRDA, highlighted the importance of properly recognizing and celebrating Reggae and Dancehall music in Ghana. He emphasized that, despite its long-standing contributions to the country’s music landscape, the genre has often been sidelined. He called for greater appreciation of Reggae and Dancehall, noting that it was time for these genres to take their rightful place alongside other celebrated forms of music in the country.

“The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards aims to fill a significant gap in the Ghanaian music industry,” Daddy Bosco said. He stressed that the creation of an awards festival dedicated solely to Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana was long overdue.

Ghana’s Influence on Reggae and Dancehall

Ghana holds a special place in Africa’s Reggae Dancehall community, playing a major role in shaping the sound and culture of the genre across the continent. While traditional Highlife music remains iconic, Reggae and Dancehall have emerged as dominant genres in Ghana and throughout Africa. These genres have even influenced various other music styles, including popular gospel tracks.

Despite Reggae and Dancehall’s rich history, spanning over five decades, Daddy Bosco pointed out that the genre 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,” he noted. However, the genre has consistently proven its strength by selling out international concerts featuring top Jamaican Reggae Dancehall artists alongside their Ghanaian counterparts.

Fairness in Awarding Excellence

One unique aspect of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards is its voting process. Unlike other award schemes that allow for public voting, the GRDA relies solely on its academy and board members to select winners. This approach aims to eliminate the possibility of vote buying and ensures a fair and transparent process in honoring the best in Reggae and Dancehall.

Upcoming Key Dates and Events

Nominations for the 2024 edition of the GRDA will be open from October 10 to November 10, with the nominees set to be announced on November 20. To build excitement for the event, a Nominees Jam will be held on December 13, bringing together fans and artists to celebrate the genre ahead of the main awards event.

About the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA)

The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) is a registered organization in the Republic of Ghana, established to recognize and honor individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to the growth of the Reggae and Dancehall genre. This includes recognizing the efforts of singers, producers, selectors, DJs, MCs, live bands, and performance artists who have dedicated their craft to pushing the boundaries of Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana and beyond.

The launch of the second edition of the GRDA marks a continued effort to ensure that Reggae and Dancehall receive the attention, respect, and recognition they deserve within the Ghanaian and global music landscape.

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