The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) is a registered organisation in the Republic of Ghana , aimed at rewarding hard working stakeholders like singers, producers , selectors, Dj, MC , LIVE bands , performance etc. An awards festival dedicated solely to Reggae and Dancehall in Ghana has been long over due. In Africa, Ghana is regarded as one of the highly influential countries associated with the genre Reggae Dancehall. Apart from our main traditional highlife music, Reggae and dancehall remain one of the dominant genres in Ghana and across Africa. For example, many gospel hits songs in Ghana are all with Reggae rhythms and yet still this genre has not been treated with the respect and recognition it deserves. Ghana has over 50 years of strong presence in Reggae music.
There are over 1000 Reggae and Dancehall artists across the country with many more upcoming artists with no reputable award scheme for over 40 years now . The country has hosted almost all international Jamaican Reggae Dancehall artists alongside their Ghanaian counterparts and in all cases gates are sold out to thousands of audience. Some attempts were made in the past to recognize and reward excellence in the industry but all failed due to dissenting opinions. It is for this reason, that with a strong Advisory Board drafted from pioneers of the industry in Ghana and the UK, Tronic1 Records and Fine Wine Promotions are coming together to host the maiden edition of the GRDA in Ghana.
The Board of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards is thrilled to announce its maiden edition for Reggae and Dancehall musicians and industry players to have their own awards to celebrate their works. The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDAs) is a platform to celebrate and honor past and present contributions to the development of reggae and dancehall music in Ghana. The GRDAs among other things aims at rewarding excellence by celebrating deserving artistes through a credible, homegrown awards scheme. The Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards will commence with a call for entries in April and climax with the awards night in early August.
The GRDAs has over twenty categories which include Best Reggae Song, Best Dancehall Song, Best International Collaboration, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other categories include Best International Artiste, Best MC, and Best Mixtape. Other activities which will herald the awards night include an international launch in the United Kingdom, a nominees’ jam, and a symposium on the music industry. Reggae and dancehall lovers and aficionados in Ghana have long bemoaned the fact that although Ghanaians love reggae and dancehall music, the genre is not adequately celebrated in existing awards schemes. As a result, news that an awards scheme devoted exclusively to reggae and dancehall is cause for celebration.
Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) is a non-profit organization based in Ghana, West Africa, committed to celebrating and honouring veterans and contemporary artists within the reggae and dancehall music genres. Our mission is to provide recognition and appreciation for individuals who have often been overlooked by mainstream media channels. Established with a passion for the vibrant reggae and dancehall culture, our organisation seeks to create a platform that promotes fairness, transparency, and excellence in the music industry. We believe in the power of reggae and dancehall to unite communities and transcend borders, and we are dedicated to supporting artists within these genres on a global scale.
GRDA strives to foster a competitive yet impartial environment, ensuring that deserving talent receives the acknowledgment it deserves. Through our annual awards ceremony and related initiatives, we aim to uplift and empower artists while also educating audiences about the rich history and cultural significance of reggae and dancehall music. Join us in our mission to celebrate the spirit of reggae and dancehall, and together, let’s shine a spotlight on the incredible artists who contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of these genres worldwide.
Our organisation believes in the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the reggae and dancehall community. We recognize the varied contributions of artists from different backgrounds, regions, and perspectives, and we are committed to representing the richness of these genres in all their forms. In addition to our awards ceremony, Reggae Dancehall Awards actively engages in community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at nurturing emerging talent, preserving the cultural heritage of reggae and dancehall, and advocating for the rights and recognition of artists within the industry.
We invite music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and supporters of reggae and dancehall to join us in our mission. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, an up-and-coming artist, or simply a passionate fan, your involvement is crucial in helping us elevate the profile of reggae and dancehall music and ensure that deserving artists receive the recognition they deserve.Together, let’s celebrate the enduring legacy and enduring impact of reggae and dancehall music, and let’s work towards a future where these genres continue to thrive and inspire audiences worldwide.
As we continue our journey, Reggae Dancehall Awards remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting unity, respect, and creativity within the reggae and dancehall community. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where artists can flourish, audiences can connect, and the enduring spirit of these genres can be celebrated. Through our ongoing efforts, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and amplify the voices of those who have historically been marginalized or overlooked. By championing diversity, authenticity, and innovation, we strive to ensure that reggae and dancehall music remain dynamic and relevant in an ever-changing world.
We envision a global community that embraces the power of reggae and dancehall to inspire positive change and unite people from all walks of life. With your support, Reggae Dancehall Awards will continue to be a beacon of recognition, advocacy, and celebration for the artists who shape the cultural landscape of these beloved genres.
This year’s Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) is dedicated to giving back to the industry through our social responsibility project, “Save the Veterans.” We aim to organize a series of dinner dances and fundraisers to support humanitarian causes and honor the legacy of our music legends.
Our focus is on two beloved veterans: the late Mac Tontoh, a pioneer of Afrobeat, and Ras Kweku Mensah (aka Mokin), a renowned Reggae Dancehall artist. Mokin’s current health situation is of concern, and we seek to establish a trust fund to support our ailing heroes.
This year’s Dinner Dance and Fundraiser events are designed to raise funds for these noble causes. We invite the public to join us in supporting this initiative and contributing to the trust fund. A GoFundMe account will be set up for convenient donations.
All our events are centered around giving back to the community and honoring the legacy of our music veterans. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and make a positive impact.
Join us in this noble cause and let’s make a difference in the lives of our music heroes. Visit our website for more information:
(https://ghrdawards.com)
Thank you for your support!
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