Reggae-dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku has criticised musicians who say they are not interested in winning awards, describing such remarks as insincere.

Speaking to Doreen Avio and Kwame Dadzie on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, the 'Wo' hitmaker said every musician craves recognition for their work, and awards remain one of the highest forms of validation in the music industry.

“Any artiste who says they don’t do music for awards is lying. Awards bring joy and make fans proud. It’s a recognition of your hard work. When you win, it means the music you planted has borne fruit. If you don’t, then maybe what you sowed failed to be harvested,” he said.

Ras Kuuku added that awards distinguish artistes from their peers and push them to improve. “Those who say they don’t want awards are the same ones who love comparisons. Awards set you apart. If you’re an artiste, whether legendary or not, and you’ve never won a TGMA, then there’s something wrong,” he said.

He further revealed that many artistes secretly feel hurt when their efforts are overlooked, saying some even cry in private after losing out on awards.

The musician noted that he takes pride in the awards he has won, describing them as a symbol of fulfilment in his career.

Ras Kuuku urged the industry to value recognition platforms such as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), stressing that they motivate artistes to do better and strengthen their connection with fans.