Gospel musician Joe Mettle has announced that he will not participate in the 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), describing the move as a temporary break.
The multiple award-winning singer disclosed this during an interview on Hitz Praise Zone with Nii Noi, explaining that he will be unavailable on the date scheduled for the awards ceremony.
Joe Mettle clarified that the decision applies strictly to the 2026 edition and should not be misconstrued as a permanent withdrawal from Ghana’s premier music awards scheme.
As part of the break, he will neither submit any works for nomination nor take part in any activities related to the event. He also confirmed that Charterhouse, organisers of the TGMA, have been formally notified and have acknowledged his decision.
Reflecting on his career, Joe Mettle recalled his historic win at the 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, where he emerged as Artiste of the Year, becoming the first gospel musician to clinch the ultimate award. He beat stiff competition from Sarkodie, EL, Medikal, Stonebwoy and MzVee.
He noted at the time that the victory was not just personal but a win for the entire gospel music fraternity. True to that vision, gospel musician Diana Hamilton went on to win the top award in 2021, four years later.
