RAPPER and singer King Paluta released not one, not two, but three hit songs in the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) year under review, so it beats his manager, Cofy Dela, why he’s always being labelled a small fry in the Artiste of the Year (AOTY) race.

Cofy Dela is baffled by the persistent underdog designation whenever the three potential winners—Stonebwoy, King Promise and King Paluta—are mentioned, when it’s clear the latter has more than earned a seat at the table.

He believes that after dropping three bangers—‘Makoma’, ‘Aseda’ and For the Papping(Apicki)’, King Paluta, born Thomas Adjei Wireko, deserves to be acknowledged as a contender, not just an afterthought in conversations about the AOTY.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, April 22, Cofy Dela called for recognition for King Paluta and passionately defended his artiste’s status following a standout year.

Cofy Dela argued that the ‘Makoma’ hitmaker’s influence in the music industry in the year under review has been unmatched, highlighting the rapper’s consistency, hit releases and strong fan engagement as indicators of his leading position among his competitors.(Read King Promise stands tall for TGMA Artiste of the Year award - Kwasi Ernest,Keep your sympathy, I earned my crown-King Promise)

“By the records available, King Paluta deserves it more than any other artiste in the AOTY category because his presence and impact in the year under review are dominant across the board. Among the contenders, can anyone mention even two hit songs in the award year?

“King Paluta doesn’t only have one or two but three hits—‘Aseda’, ‘Makoma’ and ‘For The Papping (Apicki)’, which are not mere releases, but pure bangers. They are street anthems that dominated the airwaves and resonated deeply with the people.

“And during last year's election campaign season, Paluta’s songs played a significant role in energising political rallies. Did any of the contenders have such influence? No!“Surprisingly, people have diverted the AOTY debate to international influence, and it’s even sad that his physical appearance is being used against him for an award whose criteria are spelt out,” he argued.

Moving away from the AOTY, Cody Dela touched on what motivated him to manage King Paluta, saying “I was inspired and drawn to King Paluta’s unique vision, drive, passion and commitment to his craft. 

“He is the true definition of perseverance, dedication and consistency. This belief has fueled the desire to help realise his full potential and achieve success,” he said.