TGMA 2025: OliveTheBoy Receives Massive Backlash For Chewing Gum On Stage

• Ghanaian musician OliveTheBoy has been heavily criticised for chewing gum on stage while receiving a TMGA award
• The move by the Asylum hitmaker has been described as disrespectful and inappropriate by many Ghanaians
• OliveTheBoy has yet to react to the public criticism or apologise to Ghanaians for his actions at the awards function

Ghanaian singer Joel Ofori Bonsu, popularly known as OliveTheBoy, has received massive backlash for chewing gum on stage at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).

The major event was held at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The young musician won the Best AfroBeats Song award at the event with his 2024 hit song, Asylum.

After being announced as the category winner, the Goodsin hitmaker climbed onto the stage with his entourage to receive the award and gave his speech.

As he delivered what was considered by many to be a subpar speech, musician OliveTheBoy continued to chew gum. His utterances have stoked backlash from Ghanaians on social media.

OliveTheBoy's rise to fame

Joel Ofori Bonsu, professionally known as OliveTheBoy, is a Ghanaian Afrobeats singer and songwriter who has rapidly ascended in the music industry with his distinctive sound and compelling storytelling.

Born on October 19, 2002, in Konongo, Ashanti Region, Ghana, OliveTheBoy attended Opoku Ware Senior High School in Kumasi.

He pursued tertiary education at the University of Ghana and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

However, he eventually focused entirely on his music career, citing a desire to fully commit to his artistic pursuits.

OliveTheBoy began his musical journey in 2020 after completing high school. His debut EP, Avana, released in May 2023, featured the hit single "Goodsin," which became the most-streamed song in Ghana during the first half of 2023.

He's been recognised with many awards, including his most recent Best Afrobeats Song of the Year at the 26th TGMA, which landed him in trouble.

Watch the video below:

Ghanaians blast OliveTheBoy for chewing gum

los_abena commented:

"OliveTheBoy, that was just a tacky speech. Why will you be chewing Gum whilst giving a speech? Razz Behaviour 🤦🏾‍♀️."

gyae_me said:

"The gum chewing , the speech, the demeanour. Chale, eveything be off. Make somebody groom Olivetheboy give we."

@afua_henewaa wrote:

"As to why Olivetheboy was chewing gum on stage like that is a topic for another day."

OrekodoLive commented:

"@OliveTheBoy_ Please, reduce the chewing of the gum. Or don’t chew at all. Thanks."

headboygh said:

"Chewing gum on stage while talking to the crowd was so unprofessional from Olivetheboy."

King Promise wins Artiste of the Year

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian musician Gregory Bortey Newman, known as King Promise, was honoured with the title of Artiste of the Year at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

The prestigious event took place on May 10, 2025, at the Grand Arena. King Promise was a favoured candidate for this award due to his distinctive sound, which blends highlife, Afrobeats, and R&B.

His music has gained recognition in Ghana and internationally, thanks to collaborations with prominent artists like Burna Boy and Mr Eazi, which have amplified his global appeal.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh