Bands must be recognised in award schemes – Nkyinkyim Band

The Nkyinkyim Band is calling for greater recognition of bands in the music industry, particularly in award schemes.

According to the band, despite the significant contributions of bands to Ghanaian music, they are often overlooked and underappreciated.

“When you go back, it is what it was,” says the band, referencing the rich history of Ghanaian bands such as Osibisa, King Bruce, and Nana Ampadu.

“A lot of bands now are coming out with their own projects, with their original songs. We are doing the best we can, and I feel the big people in the industry can also help.”

The Nkyinkyim Band believes that creating a category for bands in award schemes would not only recognize their contributions but also encourage more quality bands to emerge.

“I don’t need to be controversial, but I feel like there has to be a category for bands; best bands that will even bring up more quality bands because we know we are being recognized.”

The band also notes that the current award schemes are limited, with too few categories. “If we compare, let’s say the Grammys to ours, there are a lot more categories for them than ours, because you can’t box all of them in the mainstream. So, a lot more could be done.”

By recognizing bands and creating more categories, the Nkyinkyim Band believes that young musicians will be more inspired to develop their talents and stay true to their unique identities.

“When that is done, the young ones would develop more interest. Because they see that bands like the Nkyinkyim band and all the other bands I have mentioned are being ourselves, we are projecting ourselves, we are staying true to our identity, and they will also stay true to their identity because everybody is unique.”

The E Vibes Musical Band Series aims to celebrate and highlight the incredible journeys of Ghanaian musical bands, showcasing their triumphs, challenges, and the bonds that keep them together.

Through exclusive performances, behind-the-scenes access, and interviews, the series provides audiences with a unique perspective on the Ghanaian music scene.