Ghanaian rapper Tulenkey has explained the reason behind his striking appearance at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs), where he showed up with his mouth covered in black masking tape.
Dressed in an all-black suit, the “Proud Fvck Boys” hitmaker made a bold fashion and social statement at the event held on May 10, 2025. Despite winning the award for Best Hiplife Song, Tulenkey chose not to speak during the ceremony, instead communicating through hand gestures only.
In an interview with 3FM, Tulenkey disclosed that his silent gesture was meant to draw attention to the emotional and mental struggles many men face but often keep hidden.
“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 explained.
Tulenkey’s act has since sparked conversations on social media, with many commending him for shedding light on men’s mental health—an often-overlooked issue.
