For years, he was the butt of jokes on social media — a perennial nominee, never a winner of the big one. But at the 26th edition of the Telecel Ghana Awards (TGMAs), Gregory Bortey Newman, known as King Promise, silenced doubters and finally ascended the throne.
After years of being Ghanaian music’s nearly man, the silky-voiced crooner won the coveted Artiste of the Year crown, marking a moment of vindication and doing something distinctly Ghanaian yet internationally relevant.
King Promise’s journey to this pinnacle is a masterclass in resilience, a story of an artist who weathered the storms of criticism and near misses to emerge as one of Ghana’s most defining musical voices.
His victory at TGMA26, clinching four awards — Artiste of the Year, Best Album/EP of the Year, Best Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Year, and Best Afropop Song for his global hit Paris. This marked the culmination of a decade-long journey, characterised by consistency, authenticity, and staying true to one’s craft—a clear depiction of his body of work, the “True To Self” album.
Born in Nungua, Accra, King Promise emerged in the Ghanaian music scene with a refreshing sound and an unmistakable aura. His debut single, “Oh Yeah,” in 2017 caught attention for its catchy rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, quickly earning him a spot among music’s rising stars in the country.
The release of his debut album “As Promised” in 2019 — a project that featured the likes of Wizkid, Kojo Antwi, Mugeez, Omar Sterling, Sarkodie, among others. The album featured songs like “Bra”, “Commando”, “My Lady”, “Tokyo”, and “CCTV” — marking his status as more than just a one-hit wonder.
The Fame Came With Trolls
But with fame came pressure. And with pressure came criticism — often harsh and sometimes undeserved. Despite consistently churning out hits and being a strong contender every year, the ultimate honour at the Ghana Awards always seemed to elude him.
Social media trolls quickly latched onto this pattern, turning his name into a meme during award seasons.
“Another year, another King Promise snub,” was a common jab. On Twitter, he became an example of talent overlooked, not for lack of skill, but for reasons that defied logic to many fans. “You don’t just become a one-hit wonder and claim to be the Artist of the Year, there is a lot more you need to do…” Posted on Twitter after King Promise lost the 2024 Artiste of the Year to Stonebwoy, this jab labelled him a “one-hit wonder,” a gross misrepresentation of his extensive discography.
The mockery wasn’t limited to his losses; even his fashion choices, like his oversized Balenciaga shoes at the awards, became fodder for ridicule, with users joking about his “big shoe, no trophy” aesthetic.
These posts, among countless others, illustrate the range of trolls, from questioning his talent and authenticity to mocking his ambition and style. The trolling wasn’t just about awards; it was personal, targeting his character and diminishing his contributions to Ghanaian music.
In one of the defences for King Promise in a 2018 tweet, social media influencer Ama Burland wrote;
“See…King Promise’s thing isn’t funny. He’s very good. You people are really like that when Medikal came with “by-heart boy” and “anthem” and the like, you were hailing him. Small award he didn’t win, naaa trolling. You want to do some for King Promise. Sellouts!”
Seven years later, King Promise took home the coveted Artiste of the Year award. Burland again wrote, referring to her 2018 tweet, “Seven (7) years later! From getting constantly snubbed to getting his recognition. Love you King Promise. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!! You’ve always been him”.
The trolling took a toll, but King Promise refused to let it define him. He remained composed, rarely addressing the jabs directly. Instead, he channelled his energy into his music, building a catalogue that spoke louder than any tweet. His silence was strategic — a refusal to engage with the noise and a commitment to proving his worth through his art.
Turning The Curve
The year 2024 was a turning point. King Promise unleashed a musical onslaught that left no room for doubt. His single Terminator, a genre-blending masterpiece fusing Afrobeats, Amapiano, and dancehall, became a global phenomenon. Its infectious rhythm and universal appeal sparked a viral dance challenge that swept through TikTok and Instagram, with fans, influencers, and even celebrities joining in.
The song wasn’t just a hit — it was a cultural moment, cementing King Promise’s ability to create music that transcended borders.
Other tracks, like Perfect Combi, Keep It Sexy, and Paris, further showcased his evolution. His sound had matured, carrying a polished edge that balanced commercial appeal with artistic depth. Beyond the music, King Promise’s global presence grew. He embarked on sold-out tours across Europe, Asia, and North America, earning accolades for his electrifying live performances.
The boy from Nungua was no longer just a local hero — he had become a global ambassador for Ghanaian music, representing a new wave of artists pushing Ghanaian music onto the world stage.
Critics who once overlooked him began to take notice. Fans who had defended him through years of snubs felt validated. The narrative was shifting: King Promise wasn’t just promising anymore — he was delivering, and the world was listening.
The Night of Coronation
On the night of May 10th, 2025, at TGMA26, it became clear that this was King Promise’s moment. When the Artiste of the Year category — the evening’s most coveted award — was announced, his name echoed through the Grand Arena, and the reaction was electric. Cheers erupted, and social media exploded with pride.
King Promise also swept three other awards in addition to Artiste of the Year. Each win was a testament to his versatility and dominance in the industry. On stage, he exuded humility, his voice trembling with emotion as he thanked his team, family, fans, and even his critics. “This means more than words can describe,” he said. “Thank you for believing in me when many didn’t,” he said.
His acceptance speech was with no bitterness, no gloating — just gratitude and a quiet acknowledgement of the long road he’d travelled. He reflected on his first TGMA experience in 2018: seven nominations, zero wins.
“Whilst some people laughed, I just worked harder because I believe in God’s timing,” he said. “Today I am THE CHOSEN ONE!”.
And chosen he is. His message resonated far beyond music. It’s a blueprint for resilience, and a reminder that true kings don’t need to shout — they show up, year after year, and let the work speak.
The Future of the King
The Artiste of the Year title may be the pinnacle of King Promise’s career thus far, but it’s clear this is only the beginning. In interviews, he teased new projects. Fans can expect more singles, more tours, and, true to form, more hits.
King Promise’s reign is just getting started, but his legacy is already cemented. He’s not just an artist — he’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.
The trolls may have had their moment, but the throne belongs to the King.
Written by Ekow Quandzie (@Whyalwaysekow) – Head, PR at Global Media Alliance
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