Renowned music executive and entertainment consultant, Kwesi Ernest, has emphasized the significance of awards in the professional lives of artistes, underscoring their role in shaping public image and industry credibility.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kwesi Ernest stated that awards—regardless of the financial benefits attached—offer a level of recognition that can positively impact an artiste’s brand and career trajectory. “In Ghana and everywhere else in the world, awards hold huge value in the lives of artistes. Receiving recognition for your work at any point is meaningful,” he said.
According to him, the prestige attached to awards serves as a powerful endorsement that can open doors to more opportunities, whether locally or internationally. Even when no monetary prize is involved, the mere nomination or win is enough to significantly elevate an artiste’s standing in the eyes of fans, promoters, and corporate partners.
“Awards offer artistes validation,” he explained. “They are acknowledgments from industry peers and fans alike that the artiste’s work has made a difference. That level of validation boosts morale and enhances the artiste’s professional profile.”
Kwesi Ernest, who has managed and promoted several prominent Ghanaian musicians, further noted that recognition can be especially valuable in a competitive industry where visibility is critical. “In many cases, an award can be the turning point in an artiste’s career. It can lead to endorsement deals, international bookings, and media attention, all of which play into building a successful brand.”
He also highlighted that in today’s digital age, awards carry even more weight, as winners can amplify their recognition across social media platforms, increasing their global reach. “Social media has changed the dynamics. When an artiste wins an award, fans from all over the world celebrate with them, and that exposure can be priceless.”
Kwesi Ernest urged event organizers and industry stakeholders to maintain high standards of transparency and fairness in their award schemes, stressing that credibility is essential in sustaining the value of such accolades.
He concluded by encouraging artistes not to view awards as the sole measure of success but rather as important milestones that reflect the appreciation of their craft. “Hard work, consistency, and passion should always be at the core. Awards are great, but they are just one part of a bigger journey.”
Kwesi Ernest’s comments resonate at a time when debates surrounding the relevance and fairness of awards continue to dominate entertainment conversations in Ghana. His perspective reaffirms that while awards may not always come with financial gain, their symbolic power and influence remain undeniable in shaping an artiste’s legacy.
