At the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Ghanaian singer OliveTheBoy faced significant backlash for chewing gum during his acceptance speech for the Best AfroBeats Song award for his hit “Asylum.”
The incident, which occurred at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre on May 10, 2025, sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many deeming his behavior unprofessional and disrespectful.
Social media users expressed their disapproval, with comments highlighting the perceived lack of decorum.
One user remarked, “OliveTheBoy, that was just a tacky speech. Why will you be chewing gum whilst giving a speech? Razz Behaviour.” Another commented, “The gum chewing, the speech, the demeanour. Chale, everything be off. Make somebody groom Olivetheboy give we.”
This incident adds to previous controversies surrounding OliveTheBoy. In August 2024, he performed at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Manifesto launch, leading to speculations about political endorsements. He clarified that his performance was strictly a business engagement and not an endorsement of any political party.
Despite these controversies, OliveTheBoy’s musical achievements remain noteworthy. His song “Asylum” not only won Best AfroBeats Song but was also nominated for the Telecel Most Popular Song category. Additionally, he received a nomination for Songwriter of the Year.
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.”
Watch the video below;
The gum chewing , the speech, the demeanor. Chale eveything be off. Make somebody groom Olivetheboy give we.pic.twitter.com/hkBi9w0NMX
— CHOIR MASTER🎩 (@gyae_me) May 11, 2025
