Veteran Ghanaian musician and Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience, Rex Omar, has urged local artistes to focus more on Ghana’s award schemes rather than chasing international recognition like the Grammys.

Speaking at a media engagement on April 19, 2025, Rex Omar stated clearly that the Grammy Awards were not designed for Ghanaian musicians, and so they should value and support what exists locally.

He cautioned against the constant criticism and disregard for Ghana’s music awards, saying:

“Sometimes when I hear Ghanaians talk, Grammy is for America. So, if you disrespect the Ghana Music Awards and you think you want to go to the Grammy, I don't understand it. Because Grammy was not created for you.

“BET is an American TV station that ended up also doing their own awards. You get what I mean? So the whole situation is we have to believe in ourselves and things that we do in Ghana,” he said.

Rex Omar also encouraged industry stakeholders to work together to develop an award scheme in Ghana that could rival the Grammys. He believes that if it's done well and presented in a positive light, it could gain international recognition and attract interest from other countries.

“We can also develop our own award if we speak well about it, if we do it well. Other countries will also want to be part of it. So the whole thing is, it goes beyond just receiving an award.

“It's a whole value chain and ecosystem that must be developed so as to be able to make any meaningful impact,” he added.

His call is a reminder for the Ghanaian music industry to believe in its own potential and invest in building credible and respected platforms.