Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has shared the inspiration behind his taped lips at the just-ended 2026 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

The rapper who won the Best Hiplife Song of the Year award at this year's edition came with a tape on his lips.

He said it was symbolic of the battles many men face, often choosing not to speak up due to societal ideologies that expect them to remain strong simply because they are men.

In an interview with the media, “It’s a message. It speaks of what men go through—the inner battles we fight. Because being a man, when you are vulnerable, when you talk about your emotions, you are seen as weak. So they would rather die inside than let it out. The tape symbolised suffering in silence,” he said.

Tulenkey and Beeztrap snagged the Best Hiplife Song award at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards with their thought-provoking hit “Bad Feeling.”

The emotionally raw track from Tulenkey’s Bad Friends: A Distressed Mind project stood out among a powerful list of nominees, resonating with fans for its honesty and lyrical depth.

“Bad Feeling” beat out strong competition including Black Sherif’s “Rebel Music,” Sarkodie’s “No Sir,” Okyeame Kwame’s “No Competition” (featuring Kuami Eugene), Lyrical Joe’s “Enter” (also featuring Kuami Eugene), and Eno Barony’s “Soja Go Soja Come” (featuring King Paluta).

This is the duo’s debut award at Ghana’s most celebrated musical awards night.The song, with relatable themes of trust and betrayal highlights their lyrical prowess and also marks a major moment for introspective hiplife in today’s music space.

It wasn’t just the award that generated a buzz for Tulenkey, his choice of outfit also had heads turning his direction.He appeared on stage with a stylish menswear, but his lips taped shut is what caused wonder among attendees.

Meanwhile, Over thirty awards were presented to various musicians at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards organised by Charterhouse on Saturday May 10, 2025.