Can a Homegrown Eastern Region Artiste Headline the Eastern Music Awards? – Mixtic writes

Maybe the Eastern Music Awards has relied on big names for too long, and it is beginning to make the homegrown acts feel less dominant. For an award scheme that once stood proudly as the heartbeat of Eastern Region talent, this shift is becoming more visible each year.

I have personally watched the Eastern Region produce outstanding talents. The era of Koo Ntakra, Phada Gaza, Teerhyme, Koo Kyei, Queen Edicta, Nature Ranks, Bullet, King Maaga and many others proved that the region could stand tall in Ghana’s creative space. These were names that represented a force. Their presence made the event feel like a true celebration of Eastern Region artistry.

Today, however, I see less of these artistes, and the vacuum is worrying. It feels like a decline. Something is not adding up. The energy that once gave EMA its spark is slowly fading, and if nothing is done, the scheme may lose its true identity — an identity built on the vibrant talent the region used to boast of.

So the big question is: How can this turn around?

To begin with, the Eastern Music Awards must intentionally reconnect with the original purpose of the scheme. The focus should not only be on pulling national stars to give the event weight. The backbone of EMA should be the homegrown artistes. They need more stage presence, more spotlight, and a stronger push from the organizers and the regional creative ecosystem.

Secondly, the region needs to invest in talent development and creative support systems. The young ones cannot grow if there is no solid platform guiding them. Strengthening the creative structures, supporting new talent through mentorship, and creating more spaces for performances can revive the ecosystem.

Finally, the music community in the Eastern Region must reignite its unity. The earlier generation had a bond — they pushed each other, performed together, and created a movement powerful enough to dominate the region. If that spirit returns, the award scheme will naturally rise again.

At this point, I genuinely believe the Eastern Region can produce another powerful wave of artistes. The question is not whether a homegrown act can headline EMA. The question is whether we are ready to invest in them, support them, and bring back the vibrancy we once enjoyed.

The answer is simple — yes, a homegrown Eastern Region artiste can headline the Eastern Music Awards — but only if we intentionally rebuild the foundation that once made Eastern Region music strong.

Mixtic writes