As Ghana eagerly anticipates the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards 25, the nation’s premier event honoring DJs, it is fitting to reflect on the rich history and evolving themes that have defined this cultural milestone.
Since its inception, the Awards have not only celebrated the skill and creativity of DJs but have also mirrored the evolution of Ghana’s vibrant music scene.
Each year’s theme has served as a beacon, capturing the spirit of the times and the aspirations of Ghana’s DJs.
The Birth of the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards
Launched in 2012, the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards emerged from a need to recognize and honor the often unsung heroes of the music industry, the DJs. At a time when Ghana’s music scene was rapidly expanding, DJs played a crucial
role in shaping the soundscape, influencing trends, and energizing crowds at events nationwide. The awards were conceived as a way to spotlight their contributions, elevate their status, and inspire excellence within the profession.
The inaugural event set the tone, celebrating the unity and skill of DJs as they brought diverse musical genres to life. It was a night that not only awarded talent but also fostered a sense of community among DJs, promoters, and
fans alike.
In subsequent years, the awards adopted themes that mirrored the dynamic nature of Ghana’s music industry and the evolving role of DJs.
Timeline of Themes:
- 2014 Rhythm Nation: Celebrated the heartbeat of Ghana’s music culture, uniting DJs and fans as one musical nation.
- 2015 Amplified: Marked the elevation of DJ culture nationwide, amplifying their influence in Ghana’s music scene.
- 2016 Move to the Beat: Celebrated the DJ’s power to get people moving, emphasizing rhythm as a universal language.
- 2017 United by Music: Highlighted music’s unifying power across Ghana’s diverse communities.
- 2018 Don’t Stop the Music: A call for persistence and passion, celebrating DJs who keep the music alive against all odds.
- 2019 Party in Ghana: A vibrant homage to Ghana’s rich party culture and the DJs who energize it.
- 2020 In the Mix Together: Emphasized unity and resilience during the pandemic, adapting to new ways of connecting through music.
- 2021 Take Over: Celebrated Ghanaian DJs reclaiming their space on local and global stages.
- 2022 The Greatest: A tribute to excellence and mastery in DJing, honoring the best talents.
- 2023 Moved by Music: Focused on music’s emotional and transformative power, deepening artist-audience connections.
- 2024 United by Music: Reaffirmed music’s role as a unifier in a divided world, celebrating continuity and harmony.
- 2025 Shake The Floor: Calls for dynamic energy and innovation, challenging DJs to energize and transform the industry.
Rhythm Nation (2014): The theme Rhythm Nation set the tone for the Awards’ early years by celebrating the heartbeat of Ghana’s music culture. It symbolized unity among DJs and fans, emphasizing the shared passion that binds
the community. As DJ Black, Best DJ of the Year 2014, reflected, “That year was about coming together as one musical nation, celebrating the rhythm that connects us all.”
Amplified (2015): The Awards began amplifying the voices of DJs, recognizing their growing influence in shaping Ghana’s musical identity. As organizer Merqury Quaye explained, “This was the year we turned up the volume on DJ
culture, making sure their contributions were heard loud and clear.”
Move to the Beat (2016): This theme celebrated the physical and emotional connection between DJs and their audiences. DJ Vyrusky, a multiple-time winner, reflected, “Music moves people in ways words can’t. That year reminded us why we do what we do—to get people moving and feeling alive.”
United by Music (2017 & 2024): Twice embraced, this theme underscores music’s power to bridge divides. According to DJ Lord OTB, “Music unites us beyond language, tribe, or region. It’s the heartbeat of Ghana’s unity.”
Don’t Stop the Music (2018): A tribute to resilience, this theme resonated deeply as DJs faced challenges yet kept the party alive. DJ Switch, the youngest winner in 2019, said, “That spirit of never giving up is what keeps
the music flowing.”
Party in Ghana (2019): Celebrating Ghana’s vibrant party scene, this theme honored the DJs who create unforgettable experiences. Best DJ Of Ashanti Region DJ Aroma noted, “Winning Ghana DJ Awards means you’ve worked hard for it. Ghana DJ Awards is our Grammy, we don’t joke with it.”
In the Mix Together (2020): Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this theme highlighted solidarity and innovation. “We had to rethink how to connect with fans,” said Abeiku Sarkcess, MC/Hypeman of the Year 2020. “Virtual sets, livestreams, it was about staying in the mix, together.”
Take Over (2021): Marked by Ghanaian DJs expanding their influence globally, this theme celebrated ambition and success. DJ MJ shared, “That year, we showed the world Ghanaian DJs are a force to reckon with.”
The Greatest (2022): Honoring mastery and excellence, this theme reflected the high standards set by Ghana’s top DJs. “It’s about pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks,” said King Lagazee, Reggae/Dancehall DJ of the year 2022
Moved by Music (2023): This theme explored the emotional impact of music. “We don’t just play tracks; we create moments that move people inside and out,” said DJ Loft, Mixtape of the Year 2024 winner.
Shake The Floor (2025): The current theme challenges DJs to bring unprecedented energy and innovation. “It’s about literally shaking the floor and shaking up the industry,” said Merqury Quaye. “It’s a call to action for
the next generation.”
Merqury Quaye, Founder:
“The Guinness Ghana DJ Awards started as a way to honor DJs who were the backbone of Ghana’s music scene. Over the years, the themes have reflected our growth. Shake The Floor is the perfect theme for our 25th edition as it captures the energy and creativity we want to celebrate.”
As the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards 25 approaches, the legacy of these themes reminds us that the event is more than an awards night, it is a DJ movement. From Rhythm Nation beginnings to the electrifying call to Shake The Floor, the
Awards continue to celebrate the heartbeat of Ghana’s music scene and inspire the DJs who keep it alive.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards continue to serve as a vital platform for nurturing emerging talent, promoting Ghanaian music culture, and inspiring the next generation of DJs.
As the countdown to November 29 intensifies, excitement is building across Ghana and beyond. A dynamic lineup of pre-event activities, including a nationwide tour, Pub Fest, Ghana DJ Clinic, Ladies Concert, and Nominees Jam is poised to strengthen the connection between fans and DJs throughout the country. These signature events promise to celebrate Ghana’s vibrant DJ culture while offering unique opportunities for interaction and celebration. The full schedule of these exciting pre-event activities will be officially unveiled at the launch event on July 12, 2025, fueling anticipation as the main awards night draws closer.
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