Popular Ghanaian rapper Medikal has boldly declared that this year’s TGMA Artiste of the Year award belongs to him.

Despite facing heavy competition from contenders such as Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Wendy Shay, Sarkodie, and Diana Hamilton, the “Shoulder” hitmaker has argued that his consistency and influence over the past year makes him the strongest candidate.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Medikal stated that although he has received several Artiste of the Year nominations over the years, this is the first time he has actively pushed for the award because he genuinely believes he has outworked everyone in the category.

Ghanaians know the effort I put into my craft - Medikal

“Over the past decade, I have received Artiste of the Year nominations, but I never campaigned. This edition, based on the work I’ve put in from the hit singles and the Distribution II album, to my sold-out stadium show, it’s obvious I’ve gone above and beyond,” he said

According to the rapper, his achievements this year go beyond releasing songs.

He pointed to the success of his Distribution II album, multiple hit songs, and his sold-out stadium concert as proof of his dominance in the music scene.

Medikal also described his hit song “Shoulder,” featuring Shatta Wale and Beeztrap KOTM, as the biggest song of 2025, insisting that the song’s cultural impact outweighs mere streaming numbers.

For the rapper, one of the biggest highlights of his year was performing before over 40,000 fans at a packed stadium concert, where fans sang his lyrics word-for-word throughout his performance.

“Shoulder is the biggest song of 2025. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about how people live with the music. That’s the real impact. Truth is, I didn’t just release music; I influenced the culture, and my impact was felt all around.

“Watching over 40,000 people sing every word while I performed at the sold-out stadium show was something else. That’s the defining moment for me. That’s when you know the work is real, the ultimate validation,” he insisted

PAT/EB