Ghanaian singer Sista Afia has opened up about one of the biggest disappointments of her music career, revealing that she still struggles to understand why her hit collaboration Asuoden failed to secure a nomination at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA).

The song, which featured award-winning artiste Kuami Eugene, enjoyed significant airplay across radio and television platforms shortly after its release and quickly became one of the most talked-about records at the time. Yet when the awards nominations were announced, the track was nowhere to be found.

Speaking in an interview with MC Portfolio on Angel FM in Kumasi, Sista Afia said the exclusion marked a turning point in how she viewed the awards process.

“Asuoden really hurts me till now, that was when I realised there’s a sabotage going on with me. In less than two weeks after I released it, the song was everywhere, but when nominations came out, Asuoden wasn’t in,” she said while reflecting on the success of the song.

The singer disclosed that she had submitted several works for consideration in about eight different categories, including Best Vocal Performance and other top award slots. Despite the number of entries, she did not receive a single nomination.

To her, the absence of Asuoden from the shortlist remains particularly difficult to accept, especially given the song’s popularity and visibility at the time.

She said the outcome left her questioning whether there were factors beyond talent, hard work and proper submission requirements influencing recognition within the awards scheme.

Despite her frustrations, the singer insisted she would not abandon her principles in pursuit of nominations or industry approval.

“I’m not the type of person to kiss asses. I do my work how I’m supposed to, so if that’s what it takes, I’m sorry because I don’t kiss asses,” Sista Afia stressed.