The race for the coveted 'Artiste of the Year' title at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards is once again drawing attention to the performance of female artistes in the biggest music category.

Over the years, only a handful of women have secured nominations in the top category, with even fewer managing to clinch the award.

Following research by GhanaWeb Entertainment, here are some women who have earned 'Artiste of the Year' nominations, or who have won, since 2009:

2009: Gospel singers Philipa Baafi and Obaapa Christy (then Christiana Love) were nominated but lost to Okyeame Kwame.

2010: Ohemaa Mercy and Becca were contenders but were beaten by Sarkodie, who again triumphed in 2012 over Becca and Efya.

2015: After two years without female nominees, MzVee earned a spot but lost to Stonebwoy. She was nominated again in 2017 but fell short, with Joe Mettle winning.

2018: Ebony Reigns made history as the first female artiste to win Artiste of the Year, in a bittersweet moment months after her tragic passing.

2020: Diana Hamilton was nominated but lost to Kuami Eugene.

2021: Diana Hamilton returned to make history as the second female winner. That same year, Adina was also nominated.

2023: Gospel act Piesie Esther earned a nomination but lost to Black Sherif.

Now, attention shifts to the current race, where Wendy Shay and Diana Hamilton have both secured nominations for the top slot.

With Diana Hamilton aiming for a second win and Wendy Shay chasing her first, the question remains; will history repeat itself, or will Ghana witness another defining moment for female artistes on the TGMA stage?

ID/EB