The Department of Music at the University of Ghana congratulates alumnus Asiama on winning the Best Male Vocal Performance award at the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards for his song Akoma.
The award recognises excellence in vocal delivery and musicianship and stands as one of the notable honours within Ghana’s music industry. Asiama’s achievement reflects years of artistic development and commitment to his craft as a singer and performer.
Reflecting on the award, Asiama described it as both an honour and a motivation to continue growing as an artist. According to him, the recognition shines a spotlight on the discipline, dedication, and musicianship behind singing and encourages the youth to take the craft seriously.
During his time at the Department, Asiama encountered a wide range of musical traditions and approaches that shaped his artistic outlook. He recalled studying Ghanaian highlife repertoire including songs such as Okwaduo by the late Nana Ampadu and Comfort by Yamoah’s Band, experiences that deepened his appreciation of Ghanaian musical culture and vocal aesthetics. He also noted that courses in Western Art music such as Baroque and Classical, though initially challenging, later helped him understand important principles of musical composition and musical structure.
Beyond classroom study, Asiama highlighted the influence of ensembles and mentorship within the Department. In Level 100, he joined the choral ensemble under the directorship of Dr. Amakye Boateng, where he learned the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility in performance. Later, his studies in xylophone with Mr. Aaron Bebe Sukura introduced him to the values of repetition, discipline, and consistency in musical practice.
Asiama also reflected on his experiences in the Pop Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Eric Sunu Doe, where students engaged critically with Ghanaian popular music traditions and contemporary repertoire. He particularly recalled a semester centred on the music of Shatta Wale, which challenged students to think seriously about the technical and creative dimensions of contemporary Ghanaian popular music.
For Asiama, these experiences ultimately encouraged him to embrace his roots and draw from multiple musical influences in shaping his artistic identity. Offering advice to current students, he emphasised the importance of presence, attentiveness, and listening. “Listening is far more important than many people realize,” he noted, adding that many of the lessons and experiences he gained during his time in the Department continue to shape him as an artist today.
The Department of Music celebrates Asiama’s achievement and wishes him continued success in his musical journey.
By Eric Sunu Doe