10 Ghanaian artistes who ruled 2015

From Stonebwoy’s first BET award to Rocky Dawuni’s first Grammys nomination, the Ghanaian music industry has taken a new dimension and massive boost on the international market this year.

So far, Ghana can boast of its music industry due to the number of local acts who have made international debuts. Though some artistes experienced execrable career this year, others sailed through the year with ease.

Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Fuse ODG and Wiyaala are among some of the most successful Ghanaian stars who have climbed international stages, showcased Ghana’s talents and grabbed prestigious awards this year. Their influence this year can’t be measured.

We have just a few days to end the year, so as usual, David Mawuli brings you 10 Ghanaian artistes who ruled 2015. Check out the list below;

1. Stonebwoy

From Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ “Artiste of the Year” to BET Awards’ “Best International Act; Africa” awards win, Livingstone Etse Satekla aka Stonebwoy has achieved a huge success this year. Aside his numerous local and international awards won, the 27-year-old singer has dropped hits songs, high quality videos, organized successful tour (Go Higher Tour) and even performed alongside Reggae band Morgan Heritage during the band's Europe tour dubbed "Strictly Root". Hope this continuous next year.

2. Wiyaala

Wiyaala has come from afar. After winning the Vodafone Icons: Mixed Edition with her former group Black N Peach and parted ways, she became an instant international star. After breaking Efya’s all-time record at Vodafone Ghana Music Awards this year, she has been featured on international news platforms including BBC and CNN. She performed for the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II on her 89th birthday, won an award at this year’s AFRIMMAs, signed an album and European tour deal with Amsterdam-based Hippo Records and successfully held “Wiyaala In Concert” for another time at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill. The 28-year-old androgynous singer has done a great job this year.

3. R2Bees

The multiple award winning duo made of Rashid Mugeez and Omar Sterling (formerly known as Paedae) kept the pace this year. Though they missed out at the 16th edition of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, the duo have managed to drop three instant hit tracks; “Makoma”, “Concert Party” and “Gboza” featuring Nigeria’s Davido. They managed to get international award nominations including Urban Music Awards and AFRIMMAs.

4. Shatta Wale

Shatta has trended on social media platform Twitter more than any Ghanaian artiste this year. From hit singles released to never ending controversy surrounding his split with his former manager Bulldog, the 31-year-old singer has managed to make the year a success. He has dropped several hits this year, performed on several international stages, toured Europe and America, and got international award nominations including the prestigious MOBO awards. It’s been a great year for the “Kakai” singer.

5. Fuse ODG

Aside getting a nomination at BET Awards this year, the 27-year-old Afrobeats star has put Ghana on the world map with stage performances and charts topping tracks. He won MOBO Awards’ “Best African Act” for the third time this year, performed at Wireless Festival, performed at the just ended X Factor UK reality show which saw over 8millions viewers worldwide and toured UK (TINA Tour). Nana Richard Abiona has done a great job.

6. Pappy Kojo

The 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ “Best Hip-hop Song of the Year” winner has ruled the year with performances, collaborations and hits. So far, he has kept the pace and has proven to Ghanaians why he picked up the Hip-hop award at the VGMA. Pappy Kojo became a household name in 2015.

7. E.L

The Dansoman born 32-year-old rapper has made this year another success after winning the “Best Rapper” at Vodafone Ghana Music Awards for the 2nd time in a roll. He took his annual B.A.R Concert to another level after dropping the second mixtape. He has released some good videos, won awards and released hit songs off his .

8. Sarkodie

Michael Owusu Addo aka Sarkodie, has had passably a successful year. After winning three awards at this year’s Ghana Music Awards, the 30-year-old rap act succeeded in securing BET Awards nomination for the second time. Aside that, he managed to collaborate with international act Ace Hood on a Hip-hop track dubbed “New Guy” and successfully hosted “Sarkodie History In The Making” concert at Apollo Theater, New York, USA. On top of all, he released live recorded studio album named after his granny “Marry”. This isn’t a bad achievement.

9. Gasmilla

The success Gasmilla achieved this year is unmeasurable. From stage performances to endorsement deals, the “Telemo” singer has managed to rule the year with just a single track. Even the cover track for “Telemo” titled “Y3 W) Kurom” has made massive waves across the country than the original song. Though the track has no place at next year’s Ghana Music Awards, we believe Gasmilla has ruled 2015. Bravo Gasmilla!

10. Bisa Kdei

After successfully dropping two hit songs; “Mansa” and “Brother Brother”, Bisa Kdei has been everywhere. He has performed on several stages this year, grabbed numerous awards, dropped one of the bestselling albums called “Break Through” and produced good songs for himself and others including M.anifest’s latest single “W’ani Aba”.