Music Meets Royal Recognition at Manhyia Palace
On Friday, May 9, 2025, Kofi Kinaata, one of Ghana’s most beloved musicians, received the prestigious Youth in Entertainment Award from the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a high-profile ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.
The award was presented at the Otumfuo Millennium Excellence Awards, a ceremony dedicated to honouring individuals who have made transformative contributions to Ghanaian society.
A Voice for the People: Kinaata’s Impact Through Music
Kofi Kinaata, known for blending Highlife and Hiplife with deep lyrical storytelling, has built a reputation as a socially conscious artist whose music resonates across generations.
Tracks like “Things Fall Apart,” “Susuka,” and “Thy Grace” have become national anthems for youth empowerment and personal responsibility.
In fact, during the September 2024 Ghana Bar Association General Conference, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II personally praised Kinaata’s hit song Susuka, calling it “full of wisdom.”
🎧 Stream Kofi Kinaata’s Greatest Hits on Spotify
🎥 Watch the official video for “Susuka”
Ahead of TGMA 2025: Multiple Nominations for Kinaata
This royal recognition comes on the eve of the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), where Kinaata is a frontrunner in several top categories:
- Best Highlife Artist of the Year
- Best Highlife Song of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Record of the Year
- Best Music Video of the Year
- Album/EP of the Year
📅 TGMA 2025 takes place on Saturday, May 10 at the Grand Arena, AICC, Accra.
Honouring Excellence: A Ceremony of Influential Figures
The invitation-only ceremony also honoured other Ghanaian dignitaries and business moguls with the Lifetime Africa Achievement Prize, including
- Dr. Kwame Despite—Despite Group of Companies
- Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong—Special Ice & Partners
- Dr. Nick Danso—CEO of Ghana Link Network Services
The event was graced by former President John Dramani Mahama, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, adding political weight to the culturally significant evening.
The Otumfuo Millennium Excellence Awards: Celebrating Purposeful Impact
Established by the Manhyia Palace, the Otumfuo Millennium Excellence Awards focus on recognizing individuals and organizations that uplift Ghana through innovation, compassion, and leadership, especially in sectors that support the vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and the poor.
By selecting Kofi Kinaata, the Asantehene acknowledges not just an entertainer but a catalyst for social change whose lyrics educate, uplift, and empower.
Kofi Kinaata’s Crown Beyond Music
With a royal endorsement and multiple award nominations, Kofi Kinaata’s influence extends beyond the charts—it touches hearts, minds, and now, history. This honour from the Asantehene cements his status as not only a brilliant artist but a national treasure whose voice speaks for the people.