In an interview on Hitz FM, Fameye boldly declared his stance on the importance of GMA compared to the Grammys, stating that he values hard work and local recognition over international recognition.

According to Fameye, GMA provides a platform based on merit and hard work, unlike the Grammys, which he believes are often influenced by connections and label works.

He said the hype for Grammys and BETs has over shadowed the core mission of the local awards.

The ‘Nothing I Get’ singer also recounted the moment he won his very first GMA award, revealing it as a night he will never forget.

Fameye urged fellow artistes to value VGMA and other local awards as a means to reach international heights.

His comments have ignited discussions within the music industry and among fans, with some expressing support for his advocacy.

However, others disagreed with him noting that, Grammys has a global reach which can propel local artistes.

Watch video below:

..

Speaking in an interview on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, they said winning awards is not their ultimate aim as gospel ministers; instead, preaching God’s word through music to change people’s lives remain their major goal.

“We’re not interested in picking forms for the VGMA because we are more focused on winning souls than the awards. Our calling is a unique one, and we don’t want to be distracted or deviate,” they explained to the host, Roselyn Felli.

They added that they will not purchase forms to fill out, but if nominated regardless, they will attend the event.

The sisters revealed that they have been accumulating awards from all over the world in different award schemes without filing for nominations.

“If you want to do it for us, just go ahead and pick it; we’re ok,” they said.

The trio further indicated that they are inspired by the testimonies of how people’s lives have been transformed through their songs.

They recounted how their song “Nea Yehu Yi” saved a man who was declared dead due to the failure of doctors to identify his ailment and its cause.

“He said he’s been looking for us for 2 years, and he didn’t know where to find us.

According to him, “he was sick at Korle Bu, and the doctors declared him dead. He went home because they didn’t see the type of sickness he was suffering from. When he got home, he put his radio on a particular station, and they were playing one of our songs, “Nea Yehu Yi.”

“He listened to the song, and after the DJ gave directions on where to get the CD, he sent someone to buy one for him. He repeated the song to himself at home for 2 weeks, and all he saw was himself being healed,” Cynthia, their lead singer, narrated.

Such testimonies, they said, encourage them to do more exploits to glorify the Lord.

The music group has groomed musicians and are still open and willing to train more people in the gospel ministry.

According to Abeiku Santana, it would be disastrous if King Paluta is not given the title.

“If the New Artiste of the Year is not given to King Paluta, then I think that would be the end of the VGMA. I am part of the VGMA Board, and I will vote for King Paluta, and I am sorry for the rest,” Abeiku Santana said.

King Paluta, under the year of review, has garnered over five million streams from his two hit songs, “Yahitte” and “Sika Aba Fie.”

He recently received massive commendation from rap legend, Okyeame Kwame, who touted him as one of the biggest music prodigies from Ashanti Region.

The choreographer said Ghanaian dancers play a big role in Ghana’s music industry.

“When Adjetey Sowah was presenting an award at the VGMA, he said it’s about time we recognise the efforts of dancers who play big roles in the music industry because dance and music go hand in hand” he said on Property FM in Cape Coast.

Incredible Zigi said if dancers are celebrated at VGMA, Ghanaians will see the importance of the talent.

“When it comes to VGMA, everybody is watching to see who wins the Artiste of the Year so if that is the platform where dancers are celebrated, the whole Ghana will see our importance,” he added.

SEE ALSO

• I never thought I would get married – KOD

• I will vote for NDC in 2024 – KOD

• Sad scenes as late Nigerian singer MohBad is laid to rest

He explained that, he felt no burning desire to keep doing music.

“My attitude and personality are that when I am hooked on something, I do it to perfection then I find something else to do. That is my composition. After Artiste of the Year, the truth of the matter is I just got bored with the whole thing. I just didn’t feel taken aback or wild about everything,” he said on the Daybreak Hitz show.

When Andy asked if he felt complacent, he said, “complacent has a negative connotation to it, but it wasn’t that.”

According to E.L, who is currently promoting his newest EP ‘The Teacher’, he took a break for himself, but he realised Ghanaians don’t want musicians who like to take breaks.

“I just took a break from the limelight, not music. Consistency is important for an artiste and I have learned it. I have realised Ghanaian fans are insatiable. You have to keep it coming and I didn’t expect that,” he said.

Watch the interview below:

MORE:

• Akoto Afriyie speaks on Alan’s withdrawal from NPP presidential race

• Bawumia mourns sons of late NPP bigwig killed in gory accident

• You are not smarter than the police – Frances Essiam tells Bugri Naabu

In an interview on Adom FM‘s Entertainment Hall show with host Mike 2, she said if VGMA organisers were Ghanaians, the award scheme would have been ended.

“When we look at awards ceremonies in Ghana, we have witnessed many come and go, but the VGMA has endured. People often wonder why a Nigerian company is behind a Ghanaian event, but the truth is, if it were organized by Ghanaians, it might not have lasted this long” Patience Nyarko said during the interview.

The gospel act praised the VGMA organisers for their dedication to the Ghanaian music industry, noting that, the award ceremony has played a pivotal role in promoting and elevating Ghanaian music on the global stage.

She said there are few events in the Ghanaian creative industry that command the same level of respect and admiration as the VGMA, therefore, the organisers deserve recognition for their efforts.

“With the Ghana Music Awards, I think it has helped Ghana music. We should evaluate the industry and identify which event has the same level of buzz and mileage as the VGMA,” she stated.

However, Nyarko expressed concerns about the fairness of the VGMA, particularly in the selection of award winners.

She cited her song “Obi Nyanime” as an example, claiming it deserved the Most Popular Song of the Year but didn’t get any nomination.

“The only thing I think they don’t do well is fairness,” Nyarko stated. “Look at my song, ‘Obi Nyanime’ – it was popular and deserved Most Popular Song of the Year, but it never happened. But I understand that business people will think about their interests, so it’s okay” she noted.

The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), organized by Charterhouse Productions, has been a prominent fixture in the Ghanaian music industry for many years.

It celebrates and recognizes outstanding achievements in the Ghanaian music scene and has played a significant role in promoting local talent on the global stage.

Despite some criticisms and challenges, it remains one of the most anticipated events on the Ghanaian entertainment calendar, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the nation’s music industry.

Meanwhile, throwing light on how Ghana Music Awards came to life in an interview on JoyNews, Mrs Theresa Ayoade said her Nigerian husband got the idea when he saw two Ghanaian artists arguing over who is the most popular at the backstage of Agoro, another TV production he came up with.

Being a sales expert with the Multimedia Group at the time as well as a creative lover, the CEO said she hopped onto the idea and that led to the creation of the country’s most reputable music award event.

MORE:

• Bawumia mourns sons of late NPP bigwig killed in gory accident

• Akoto Afriyie speaks on Alan’s withdrawal from NPP presidential race

• NPP flagbearer race: Bawumia reacts to Alan Kyerematen’s exit

The performance, drew significant criticisms and many fans said they were disappointed.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, he revealed that the harsh reaction he received during his VGMA debut had a significant impact on him.

“We rehearsed and expected the performance to be as beautiful as we rehearsed it. But I feel like we didn’t prepare for that to happen. We prepared for better things.”

He voiced his dismay and remorse, stating that he felt horrible about the show’s ending.

“I was mad at myself after the show because I thought I was doing my best just that it didn’t come out as planned.

“I heard myself through one monitor on stage and realised what we wanted was not what we got”, he said.

When quizzed on the various factors that contributed to the poor performance, Lasmid struggled to pinpoint a single cause.

He said that his committed crew had planned and rehearsed for the performance, but something went wrong on that fateful night.

While reminiscing on his VGMA performance, Lasmid stressed his commitment to continuing to improve and give the sort of performances that his fans demand from him.

He agreed that these situations serve as learning possibilities and incentives to strive for greater results in future events.

In an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz, the One Corner hitmaker, said he still hasn’t gotten over the embarrassing loss of the Most Popular Song of the Year in the 2018 edition of the award scheme.

The singer, born Justice Amoa, was nominated alongside other artistes including Ebony, KiDi, Kwami Eugene, Fancy Gadam, Joe Mettle, and Captain Planet.

“I can see that God has placed a curse on the organisers of VGMA because of what they did to me. I don’t want to go far.

“If I want to go far, then I will say this, when we say curse, it means you are being punished for causing pain to someone. I don’t want to say it.

“I would want to use Amakye Dede’s issue as an example but I don’t want to say it. They forced Amakye Dede to crown someone when he was not ready to do that,” he explained on Hitz FM.

Patapaa’s One Corner which was released in 2017 lost the award to Fancy Gadam’s Total Cheat in that particular award scheme.

In a post-event interview, he made claims that the board had taken monies to award artistes who did not deserve to be awarded.

He also warned the VGMA not to nominate him in any category.

Patapaa is currently promoting his new single titled ‘Agye Ta’.

The song is available in all digital stores.

MORE:

• Married or divorced: Patapaa sets records straight

• Revealed: How 18-year-old househelp spent money stolen from Cecilia Dapaah

• Time up for Adwoa Safo in Dome-Kwabenya?

This award is a testament to their immense contributions to the development and growth of the music industry in Ghana. 

Both Elder SK Ampiah and Francis Kwakye have dedicated their lives to elevating the music industry and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. 

The event happened at La Palm Beach Hotel in commemoration of World Music Day.

Elder SK Ampiah has played a pivotal role in the gospel music industry. As a writer, instrumentalist and singer, his music compositions have been the true vehicles for praise and worship over decades. 

He’s composed over 200 songs for the past five decades. Some of the songs include Onyame Tumfo (God Almighty), Onyame yɛ Nyame Kɛse (God is a great God), Yesu ne wu (The death of Jesus), Me twer ɔbotan bi (I lean on a particular rock), Mmo Yesu (Well done, Jesus). His songs are performed in almost every Christian gathering in Ghana as praise and worship.

Similarly, Francis Kwakye has made significant contributions to the music industry through his relentless efforts since 1969.  For 54 years his dedication, commitment and selflessness to sound engineering in the Ghana music industry has known no bounds, working with virtually all legends and A-lists artistes in Ghana, and providing services for entertainment shows across the nation and internationally. Via self-founded company, Rythms Africa, he’s extended his services to over 1,000 events and programmes.

The VGMA Titan Award serves as an inspiration to others in the industry, encouraging them to strive for excellence and make a positive impact. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the music industry. 

Elder SK Ampiah and Francis Kwakye’s contributions will continue to inspire future generations of musicians, producers, and industry professionals to work towards the development and growth of the music industry in Ghana. 

It is through their vision, passion, and determination that the music industry in Ghana continues to thrive. The Titan Award is a fitting tribute to their exceptional achievements and the legacy they leave behind.

Mr. Kwakye’s presentation was heartily presented by the legendary singer and Acting President of MUSIGA, Bessa Simons, who could not hold back his personal tribute in the process. Elder SK Ampiah, who was represented by his son, had is plaque presented by legendary singer and former President of MUSIGA Diana Hopson. With excitement that could not be hidden, she did not only give her personal tribute in words, she brought Elder SK Ampiah’s songs to life by singing them live.

The event was hosted by Andy Dosty with performances from Prince Hakeem, Indigenous Band and Nii Tete Tetteh & the Tendaan Muzik.

During an interview with Doreen Avio on Daybreak Hitz, Amerado revealed his long-standing desire to clinch the coveted accolade, and the overwhelming disbelief he experienced when his name was announced on the eventful night.

“The yearning for this trophy has always burned within me. I was absolutely astounded. It felt like a surreal dream. When I was proclaimed the victor in the Best Rap Performance category, all I could think was, ‘Thank you, God! Finally, on the third attempt.'”

Additionally, the Abotrɛ hitmaker recounted that his mother was the first person to contact him with congratulations after his triumph.

Amerado also admitted that he hadn’t nurtured high hopes of winning at the recently concluded VGMAs, given that this marked his third consecutive nomination in the same category without a victory, despite his anticipation in previous years.

“Every year, I felt deserving of the award, but most of the time, I fell short. I do recall winning the 3music award, but this time around, I wasn’t overly optimistic. Yet, I held about 60 percent hope that I would emerge victorious.”

Recently, Amerado unveiled a captivating 7-minute track titled “Hardest.”

SEE ALSO

• I have never dated anyone on TV – Sarkodie’s 2015 interview…

• Many children have distant relationships with their fathers due to their…

• Sarkodie drove me to the clinic with his manager for the…

Speaking in an interview on JoyNews, Theresa Ayoade, noted that following the lifting of the ban placed on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, the latter’s team responded to their call which led to a conversation on how they could work together for the growth of the industry.

However, Shatta Wale and his team have not made themselves available for any such conversations to be had despite their efforts to reach out, she said.

“We are open to a conversation…We want to be as inclusive as possible…We are happy to sit around the table and have a decent conversation, which is what we did with Stonebwoy’s team. We are happy to have a conversation but as decent as adults and mature people,” Mrs Ayoade told the host Aisha Ibrahim.

This comes after Shatta Wale was missing once again in this year’s VGMA despite the lifting of the 2019 ban placed on him and Stonebwy after a brawl ensued on the night.

But, despite their call for a truce, the Charterhouse CEO noted that as collaborators in the industry, they want to make sure their scheme is respected.

Mrs Ayoade explained that the scheme welcomes all opinions about the show and work to ensure it gets better, however, slandering and defaming the show is not appreciated adding it only destroys the work they put in so far.

“We just want to make sure that the scheme is respected. Whoever agrees to be part of the scheme, agrees to abide by the outcome of the scheme. Most importantly, just give it that respect because we give every musician the necessary respect. The industry must also give us that respect for what we do because we are collaborators in the industry,” she said on PM Express: Personality Profile.

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale in an earlier interview on Hitz FM displaced his readiness to join the scheme should the organisers contact him.

“I feel because they are the ones organizing it, there should be a nice approach to me, ‘Shatta, we want to sit down with you and let you know we are ready with our nomination’ because I have a lot of things I’m doing with my music and business.”

Background

Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were banned indefinitely from participating in the VGMAs after an altercation between them marred the 2019 edition.

The ‘Activate’ hitmaker was on stage accepting the Reggae/Dancehall artiste award for the fifth time in a row when Shatta Wale attempted to move to the stage.

His reason for going was unknown especially since he moved with some members of the Shatta Movement. He had also been having beefs with Stonebwoy thus his action left people stunned.

A brawl later ensued and Stonebwoy brandished a gun. Shatta Wale later said that he was going to congratulate Stonebwoy.

Meanwhile, following the brawl, the former rivals were also stripped of the awards they won on the night and asked to return the plaques they had been given.

In 2021 the board has internally agreed to lift its ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy ahead of the 2021 edition of the show.

But the two did not submit any work that year. In 2022 Stoneboy did submit his work and won the Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year.

In 2023, Stonebwoy won Afropop Song of the Year and Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year awards.

Earlier, Akesse Brempong had in a tweet, wondered why gospel songs were not nominated in the highlife category.

“Mediated by the worship experience in Pentecostal-Charismatic churches, we can observe that an aesthetics of liveness has reentered highlife music through the idiom of gospel (F. Carl 2014). But no gospel song in the HIGH LIFE CATEGORY of VGMA24,” he wrote. 

Another gospel musician, Kofi Owusu Preprah, also wrote: “There’s so much VALUE that gospel brings to the award schemes. Organizers must seriously consider  opening up to gospel across all categories. Gospel is “The Message” and not merely the rhythm. Today GH appreciates gospel in hi-life + all rhythms!”

Speaking on Joy FM’s Twitter Spaces show on Wednesday, May 9, 2023, Scott Evans said he even submitted his song ‘Best Side’, to the VGMA Board to be nominated in the Afrobeats/Afropop song category but it did not earn a nomination. 

“Amazingly, when I was filing for the VGMA, I filed for Afrobeat Song of the Year,” he told Kwame Dadzie.

Asked if he was disappointed he didn’t earn a nomination in that category, Scott said “it is one of those things.”

According to him, it is about time the scheme went beyond just nominating gospel songs by just their message but also the rhythm. 

In his response the Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse, the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, Robert Klah, said although the issue of nominating gospel songs in the various genre-categories had been raised at the VGMA Board meetings before, they would still make room for further discussions. 

Wiyaala, who was speaking in a recent interview on ‘The North’ Podcast with Prince Hamdan Banang, said that the popular music awards scheme has spelt out a criteria for the selection of nominees which she thinks she doesn’t qualify for, and so has stopped filing nominations.

She emphasised that the criteria involved having one’s songs played on all radio stations in the capital, which is not possible for her because of her choice of language.

She explained by saying “in my heart I believe VGMA is trying to get all of us involved. But let’s not tickle and make a fool of ourselves, it’s very obvious and glaring what VGMA is all about. You have to be in Accra and your songs have to be popular in Accra.

“There are songs that were never popular in the North, but they made it, and the criteria keeps changing. It’s their rules and regulations if you cannot follow them, you shouldn’t enter.”

The ‘Tuma’ hitmaker stated that deliberate efforts to highlight acts from other regions whose songs are not widely known due to language barriers have not been made.

A situation, she explained, contradicts the definition of the VGMA as an award scheme to honour musicians in Ghana because it only focuses on specific groups of musicians in certain regions of the country.

She concluded by saying, “I will be as popular as anything in the North but because it’s an Accra-based programme and most of the radio stations are Accra-based, it is normal that they only hear Accra songs. Most of the DJs don’t understand our songs and a lot of people are not willing to understand our songs.”

ALSO

• Thousands grace 2023 Atopa festival [Photos]

• Yaw Dabo becomes a hot cake as Real Madrid fans flock to take photos with him

• Tell your father not to destroy your political future – Prof Gyampo advises Duffuor Jnr

The absence of self-acclaimed Queen of Ghana Music, Wendy Shay, took some delight from the show, leaving questions about her whereabouts.

Year in year out, Wendy brings some heat to the stage with her beautiful performances or fashion choice, which the audiences were denied this year.

The reason for her absence, according to her team member Nana Reagan is that she was out of the country chasing her dreams of being an international artiste.

He revealed she had flown out a couple of days before the awards night as duty demands.

Asked if Wendy retreated because she knew she would keep a ‘clean sheet’ of several nominations with no award, Regan said she could not be bothered about the turnout of events.

He further stated that her work under the year in review is testimony of her singing prowess.

Nana Reagan opined that Wendy is not disappointed because her Shay brand is not solely focused on awards since the vision is to promote her craft.

RELATED

• Black Sherif is 2023 VGMA Artiste of the Year
• 
  Why Sarkodie is VGMA champion and his records yet to be broke

• 2023 VGMA: Check out full list of winner

The event, held at the Grand Arena in Accra, featured many well-dressed male celebrities.

Despite mixed opinions on his outfit, Kwabena Kwabena confidently owned his fashion choice.

While the inspiration behind the look remains a mystery, it generated significant online reaction.

ALSO READ:

2023 VGMA: Scenes from Konongo Zongo after Black Sherif was announced…

When Cinderella and the goat appeared on 2023 VGMA red carpet

Black Sherif is 2023 VGMA Artiste of the Year

While some artistes managed to walk home with their first awards, Sarkodie grabbed two awards, in addition to the many he has won in the past.

The May 6th event was not in favour of Sarkodie, but with his undisputed records, he rests assured of being the ultimate VGMA champion, arguably.

The self-acclaimed Ghana music landlord is the only artiste to be nominated 12 times in the Artiste of the Year Category (AOTY) since his debut appearance in 2010. He was nominated every year except for 2011 and 2013.

He is also the only artiste to be crowned the AOTY two times; 2010 and 2012 and Artiste of the Decade in 2019. Until the next five years, his record will not be beaten.

Sarkodie is the only artiste to have won the New Artist/Discovery of the Year award, and the AOTY on the same night in 2010 when he made his debut appearance on VGMA.

The Rapperholic holds record as nine-time winner of the VGMA Hiplife/HipHop Artiste of the Year over the past 13 years.

He is the only musician with two accolades of Most Popular Song of the Year since 1999 – 2012 with You Go Kill Me featuring EL and 2015 with Adonai remix featuring Castro.

Sarkodie is also the only musician to have won almost half of his about 60 nominations at Ghana Music Awards.

• King Charles welcomes Asantehene at Buckingham Palace ahead of coronation

• 10 injured in accident on Accra-Kumasi Highway [Photos+Video]

• Man butchers wife at Nungua; family demands justice

The ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ hitmaker, in an interview with Zionfelix, said that he will be thankful if he wins the most coveted award on the night ‘Artiste of The Year’.

Asked what celebratory plans he has, Black Sherif said that he would rather give a speech acknowledging the efforts many people have put in to get him to the stage he is.

He added that after his speech he would hold an intimate thanksgiving service with his “rasta” men to celebrate his win.

However, if he does not win Black Sherif said that although he may not be on the podium he will still hold that Thanksgiving service with his rasta men.

Asked if he will be disappointed if he does not win, Black Sherif stated that he will not be but in the event that he gets disappointed “it will not follow me to my house’.

He explained that disappointment is an emotion he would not want to stay with him for a lasting period, “it will stay in the Grand Arena dome.”

Black Sherif (@blacksherif_) has his reactions on #VGMA night all planned out?. The rastas tho ? pic.twitter.com/0blbXx6wH2

— The Culture Joint (@CultureJoint) May 4, 2023

Meanwhile, although many have held him as a high contender for the Artiste of the Year award, the musician has his eyes set on the ‘Album of the Year’ category.

Contenders battling for the award are Sarkodie’s ‘Jamz’, Gyakie’s ‘My Diary’, King Promise’s ‘5 Star’, Kwesi Authur’s ‘Son of Jacob’ and Joe Mettle’s ‘The Kados’.

@theculturejoint

What will a VGMA? award mean for Black Sherif?

♬ original sound – theculturejoint

Although the category is packed with some good works in the year under review, Black Sherif believes that his debut album stands a chance.

Meanwhile, the VGMA is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, at the Accra International Conference Center’s Grand Arena.

@theculturejoint Black Sherif has his eyes? on #VGMA ♬ original sound – theculturejoint

Black Sherif has been nominated in eight categories including Best Hiphop Song, Best Afropop Song, Best Music Video and Best Reggae/Dancehall Song.

Watch the full interview below:

ALSO READ:

• If they don’t give me… – Black Sherif’s message ahead of VGMA awards

• Black Sherif pays medical bills of nursing mothers at Ridge [Photos]

According to the VGMA Board, rapper Jay Bhad is no longer part of the category after careful review.

“One of the submissions made, which has generated high public interest, is Jay Bahd’s inclusion in the Best New Artiste category. After deliberations, the Board agrees that Jay Bahd is not new to the scheme, because of his shared nomination on Yaw Tog’s ‘Sore’ for Collaboration of the Year in 2021. This means, he’s not eligible as a nominee for the Best New Artiste category of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. The error has been corrected, and Jay Bahd and his team have been informed accordingly. The inconvenience is deeply regretted,” they wrote.

The statement also indicates that, Jay Bahd’s decision was one out of a number of others that were presented by artistes, their managers and other industry stakeholders. 

This review was made possible by a one-week provisional window that the Board introduced this year for addressing errors and omissions in the nominations. 

Jay Bahd was nominated in the New Artiste of the Year category with artistes such as Ewura Abena, Lasmid,  Chief One, DJ Azonto, Malcolm Nuna and DJay. 

In the meantime, the grand finale of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is slated for the 6th May, 2023. 

The event will come off at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre. 

Read full statement below

PRESS RELEASE

Wednesday, 5th April 2023 

THE 24TH VGMA NOMINATIONS REVIEW

On the night of the Nominees Announcement Show for the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, a one-week provisional window for addressing errors and omissions was announced.

Following this announcement, a number of well-meaning stakeholders made several submissions to the Board.

These concerns have been reviewed and responses have been sent to the various petitioners. One of the submissions made, which has generated high public interest, is Jay Bahd’s inclusion in the Best New Artiste category.

After deliberations, the Board agrees that Jay Bahd is not new to the scheme, because of his shared nomination on Yaw Tog’s ‘Sore’ for Collaboration of the Year in 2021.

This means, he’s not eligible as a nominee for the Best New Artiste category of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

The error has been corrected, and Jay Band and his team have been informed accordingly. The inconvenience is deeply regretted.

The Board would like to express its sincere gratitude to Academy Member Austin Woode, for taking advantage of these Errors and Omissions window to help correct this oversight.

To the general public, we are extremely grateful for the level of engagement, submissions, and contributions during this one-week provisional window.

We trust that this will lead to a more robust scheme for the industry. To this end, we would like to notify the general public and stakeholders of the VGMA Review scheduled within 90 days after this year’s edition.

Thus, anyone with idem or concerns about the scheme should kindly email info@ghanarnusicawards.com.

Finally, do note that the grand finale of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is now slated for the 6″‘ of May 2023. The event will come off at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, and will show live on TV3, and worldwide via the Ghana Music Awards socials.

Thank you.

The 24th VGMA Board

READ MORE:

• The Ghanaian princess who wore 2 corseted kente and 2 glittering lace gowns for her royal wedding

• Why this MP has never spoken in Parliament will shock you [Listen]

• Adom TV presenters dazzle in traditional regalia to climax Ghana Month celebrations [PHOTOS]

In his view, VGMA, one of the biggest and much-anticipated events on the Ghanaian entertainment calendar, gives outsiders a false impression of music representation in Ghana.

He said the scheme gave the topmost awards to artistes pursuing other music genres, which further affect the dwindling fortunes of Highlife music.

He explained to Graphic Showbiz that his observation is confirmed by the number as well as quality of artistes nominated in the Best Highlife Artiste of the Year category.

“It is unfortunate that people think when you sing in Twi or Fante over a Dancehall or Reggae beats it automatically makes it Highlife music. That is not true but it has become the norm over the years because these are the kinds of music VGMA rewards.”

“Today, if anyone wants to have an idea of what Ghana represents in terms of music, I bet the person will not count any Highlife artiste since all the perceived big acts currently are not doing Highlife.”

“We have buried our own and pursuing Dancehall music and the likes and interestingly, the VGMA has been promoting the agenda by rewarding such artistes with the topmost prizes,” he said.

Apart from VGMA, the prominent musician who is loved for his songs such as Akoko Ba, Adwoa Amissah, Let’s Be Happy, Simigua among others, blamed the media for fuelling the present narrative.

He mentioned the media has not been serious about righting the wrongs by failing to criticise the happenings and that is equally not helping matters.

“The media cannot be absolved from what is happening to Highlife music now. They don’t do their own research to ask critical questions.”

“For instance, if an artiste plays Reggae beats and sings Twi or Fante, we call it Highlife music which is totally wrong because Highlife has its own beats.”

“Also, the members on the Selection Committee of VGMA are also guilty because they don’t make the right selection. So if critics say Highlife music is dying, it means some people are not doing their homework well,” he added.

On Saturday, March 18, Charterhouse announced nominees for the various categories. While some categories were competitive, generating solid conversations, the Highlife Artiste of the Year category which has Kofi Kinaata, Akwaboah, Adina and Kuami Eugene as contenders, is missing in the hierarchy of discussion of this year’s VGMA event scheduled for May 13, 2023.

“I’m not surprised the Highlife category has only four artistes because the young ones believe that doing other music genres will win them more recognition and awards. Thus our artistes are switching to other music styles but that is not helping the positive cause of Highlife music,” he stated.

Speaking in an interview on Adom TV’s Showtyme with Andy Dosty over the weekend, the Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse Productions, Robert Klah, said the board decided to nominate Kwabena Kwabena’s works in the year’s calendar, but he declined.

He explained that, per the board’s decision, artistes who are nominated are expected to give their consent otherwise they cannot be added to the nomination’s list.

After approaching Kwabena Kwabena, Mr Klah said his team didn’t want to be part of the scheme.

“He didn’t give us his consent to nominate him. When you do the research on the songs that are doing well you will see them. Before the board does the final list, if the song doesn’t come through, we add it, but we need feedback.

“We didn’t get the green light from him [Kwabena Kwabena]. We gave the list to the board aymid all feedbacks for the final list,” he disclosed.

When asked why VGMA nominated Kwabena Kwabena on a song he was featured, Mr Klah said: “It was about artistic works which are not just for him, he left that. He is on a collaboration with Episode, we can’t sop that,” he said.

MORE:

• Reactions as Islamic cleric’s son becomes a Catholic priest

• Lost for 40 years, man reunites with family on Nhyira FM’s Obra Show

• Famous Nollywood actress dies after battling cancer

Kind courtesy his songs off the Vilian I Never Was album which has entered local and global charts, Black Sherif has been tipped to break history on the awards night.

With nine nominations cutting across multiple categories and genres, Blacko, as he is otherwise known, stands a chance of being the most awarded talent for the night.

Speaking for the first time in two weeks after the nominees announcement, Blacko, who was seemingly indifferent about the awards, said he is hopeful for the best.

On the categories he is eyeing, he listed Artiste of the Year and Album of the Year respectively.

“What was I even nominated in? If the Vilian I Never Was is nominated then we will take [win] it and Album of the Year. Everything they put us in, we will take it,” he said confidently.

However, should his hopes be dashed, Black Sherif said he will thank Allah regardless.

“If they give me, Alhamdullilah, if they don’t give me, Alhamdullilah,” he said while shrugging his shoulders.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hype Master ?? (@hypemasters_)

According to him, their major concern is to make money out of the scheme, thus, leaving out essentials needed to propel the prestigious event.

In an interview on Adom FM’s weekend Entertainment Hall show, Mr Agyapong said Charterhouse has swayed from their blueprint where nominations and awards were given to those who deserve them.

He urged Charterhouse to understand that some musicians don’t joke with their careers, hence the decision to snub some musicians from the scheme isn’t in good light.

“Awards shape the industry so when it is done well it boosts it. If you do it anyhow, it won’t stand. I am sure VGMA suffers from premature ejaculation…”

“Now their attention is not on good music and they are only focused on making money. We have to let them stop the jokes because music is about people’s lives.”

Using Kwabena Kwabena as a case study, My Agyapong said, “Kwabena Kwabena has worked so much in this year, and you don’t nominate him for anything. But you have nominated his video with another musician for Best Director.”

He also queried why musicians who do Highlife cannot be nominated while others who are known for dancehall are rather being included in the Highlife category – naming AK Songstress as an instance.

“Epixode featured Kwabena Kwabena and that is what boosted the Atia song so how come that KBKB gets nothing and that becomes an oversight?” he quizzed.

Meanwhile, Kwabena Kwabena’s manager, Nana Poku Ashis, has said his artiste didn’t file for nominations in this year’s awards scheme though they released an album in the VGMA calendar.

According to him, his artiste believes the organisers, Charterhouse, aren’t being fair to nominees who are supposed to be nominated.

MORE:

• Cheating ends in joy as two men peacefully exchange wives

• Adwoa Safo ‘abandons’ Majority again

• Massive reaction as Thomas Partey meets 2 lookalikes in Kumasi

In an interview on Adom FM’s weekend Entertainment Hall show, Ashis disclosed that the Adult Music hitmaker didn’t want to have anything to do with the nominations for the prestigious awards.

Announcing that they didn’t file for nominations for this year’s event, Ashis said Kwabena Kwabena thinks there are challenges with Charterhouse, organisers of VGMA, when it comes to nominating musicians aptly.

“We didn’t file for VGMA. For some reason, Kwabena Kwabena said some comments in the previous years, so he just wanted to stay away. He says some things weren’t going well.”

Ashis, meanwhile, further explained that Kwabena Kwabena didn’t appreciate the gesture that musicians must submit works before they get nominations.

“Looking for the artiste and writing emails and things didn’t sit well with him. He doesn’t believe that as an artiste he is not supposed to file, and he thinks the older musicians are not given the privilege.”

When asked if Kwabena Kwabena will no longer patronise the national awards scheme, Ashis declined, adding that, when things go right, his artiste will show up in the future.

“He wants to stay back and soon when he thinks things are done well he will be back,” he told the host, Mike 2.

Meanwhile, Kwabena Kwabena released his 6th studio album Fa Me Saa on November 11, 2022 – a 14-track album comprising Ghana’s prime genre, Highlife and Afrobeats among other elements that make it certified.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kwabena Kwabena (@kbkbmuzic)

MORE:

• I couldn’t eat for a week because of the words Kuami Eugene said to me – Foto Copy

• Cheating ends in joy as two men peacefully exchange wives

• Adwoa Safo ‘abandons’ Majority again

Since she found her feet in music, Eno has received nominations and awards at every VGMA awards night, leaving her to wonder what she could have done wrong to be snubbed this year.

The nominations were announced about a week ago, and despite submitting two of her hit songs, Don’t Judge Me and Finish Line, she did not fall in any of the about 20 categories.

According to Eno, she had hopes of being nominated for the Best Rapper/song and Best Hip Hop artiste/song, which are obvious categories she would have won in because they fall in her genre.

“I think the names of my song Don’t Judge Me played a role because I said they shouldn’t judge me and they didn’t so they took me out,” she made jest of the situation in an interview with Doreen Avio on Hitz FM.

“My songs have done very well in the year under review. Check the online charts, my songs have topped almost everywhere”.

Ordinarily, Eno would not voiced out her displeasure, but she said being vocal is needed in the battle for herself as well as other female rappers.

She opined that it is a shame no female rapper is representing in this year’s award.

That notwithstanding, the ‘Heavy Load’ composer said her management has reached out to the board but they are just to be given a feedback.

Despite the disappointment, Eno assured to work harder for her works to be recognised in next year’s edition.

“Awards don’t define me; Eno will still be Eno. It hurts because I have worked and I deserve to be recognised but in all, we work harder”.

In an interview on Hitz FM’s U Say Wetin show, the Shatta Movement (SM) lord asked the organisers to approach his desk since he was banned from the event.

According to him, the board should have “a nicer approach” to come to terms with him so he can join the show because, “VGMA is my ex-girlfriend, anytime they want to come back I am here.”

He explained that “I feel because they are the ones organizing this and there should be a nice approach.’

The On God hitmaker detailing the terms told Hitz FM’s Prince Tsegah that, “they should also find someone from the office to come and invite me to come on board and it will be beautiful.”

When asked if he is extending an invitation to organisers of the prestigious scheme, he answered, “We should take this like that. Someone’s we have to understand that united we stand divided we fall.”

He continued, “I don’t have VGMA at heart and I don’t have any enemy there. Its just that things happen and we move on.”

Meanwhile, Charter House, organisers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), has released the full list of the VGMA 24 nominees of the various categories.

The categories were released on March 18, 2023, on the various social media platforms of the organisers of the award scheme.

Meanwhile, the award is scheduled to come off on Saturday, 13th May 2023, at the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre.

MORE:

• Meet Majid Michel’s beautiful sister who looks just like him

• Medikal breaks silence over divorce, reunion with Sister Derby

• K.T. Hammond’s nephew killed over alleged kidnapping

Atia is competing against AK Songstress’ My Proposal, Adina’s Adi Dedew, Kwesi Arthur’s Adom, Kelvyn Boy’s Downfall and Kofi Kinaata’s Have Mercy in the Highlife Song of the Year at this year’s Ghana Music Awards scheduled for the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, May 13.

Epixode told Graphic Showbiz his recent successes with Highlife music stemmed from continuous practice which is yielding fruits now.

“Although I have done several renditions of Atia, the Highlife version with Kwabena Kwabena went viral. I believe that happened because I worked very hard to master my craft and that is paying off now,” he said.

According to Epixode, who had three nominations in the categories of Reggae Artiste of the Year, Reggae Song of the Year and Best Highlife Song of Year, he would love to walk home with the Highlife Song of the Year category.                                               

“Among all the three categories, I will be glad and honoured if I walk home with the Highlife Song of the Year category since that is what I am eyeing most. Atia is a very simple Highlife song and I’m happy for the recognition,” he told Graphic Showbiz.

Talking about Atia, he said he just decided to drop a Highlife piece and is very excited about the outcome.

“I was just trying my hands on a Highlife piece and it blew everywhere. I decided to do other genres to give people the chance to appreciate the song in different forms,” he said.

Kind courtesy her ‘Wa Ye Me Yie’ banger, Piesie received seven nominations ahead of the awards night which comes off later in the year.

She stands to leave the auditorium as the Artiste of the Year, Best Gospel Artiste, Best Gospel song, Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best Female Vocal Performance and Best Music Video awards.

Moments after the nomination which attracted cheers, her husband rushed to her side to congratulate her and expressed how proud he was.

He proclaimed unto her the new title of Artiste of the Year, though voting lines are yet to be opened.

In a video he shared on his social media platform, Pastor Enoch Asiedu embraced his wife and gassed her up as she laughed out heartedly.

Aside being her husband, Pastor Enoch doubles as her manager who has a hand in the writing, production and promotion of her songs.

MORE

• Medikal breaks silence over divorce, reunion with Sister Derby
• Why I change my mind whenever I decide to leave my husband – Regina Daniels 
• Kejetia fire: Scary moment as mother escapes on a rope with her baby [Video]

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Enoch Asiedu (@godofenoch1)

The categories were released on March 18, 2023, on the various social media platforms of the organisers of the award scheme.

Meanwhile, the award is scheduled to come off on Saturday, 13th May 2023, at the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre.

Check out the nominated artistes below:

MORE:

• Daughter of NDC guru marries in colourful Islamic ceremony [Video]

• Meet Majid Michel’s beautiful sister who looks just like him

• Medikal breaks silence over divorce, reunion with Sister Derby

His song, Jah Guide has been trending for the past weeks on various streaming channels, especially in Kumasi due to his educational background.

Born as Agyapong Raymond, the talented singer completed Opokuware Senior High School in 2022 with his song blazing in every corner.

‘Jah Guide’, the banger, is a creative blend of drill music, lovers’ rock reggae, and it’s captivating in every sense of the word. However, Jah Guide was produced by Tubhani Musik, the producer known to be churning out dope records for many A-list acts in the country like Strongman.

Meanwhile, Cojo Rae is set to take over the airwaves with his anchored foundation cemented by Black Sherif’s former manager, Shadrach Agyei Owusu, popularly known as Snap Wayne Chavis.

After the scuffle with his former artiste that almost got him exiting the music business, Snap Wayne Chavis aka Snap C has still kept his desires burning against all odds.

Becoming a relentless investor, the building contractor and pharmacist who along the line became a music fanatic says he’s always been keen to keep supporting pure talent.

With Cojo Rae, climbing up the ladder under his umbrella, some artistes who have benefited from the benevolence of Wayne Chavis Records include Awal, Lousika, Amerado and Black Sherif among other ace musicians – he has been the silent investor of many artistes and songs alike in Ghana and beyond.

Interestingly, he became a centre of attraction when he parted ways with his then sensational artiste Black Sherif, who has now become a household name in Ghana, due to a “breach of contract”.

Nonetheless, his latest signee Cojo Rae right after high school in 2022 slammed out with, ‘Don’t Need Your Love’ and Jah guide which quickly accumulate over 1.7 million streams on just Boomplay.

With over 11,000 followers on Instagram and 135,000 followers on TikTok, Cojo Rae is projected to be part of the VGMA Unsung Category by many industry players since his music career took off in style.

MORE:

• GES Director collapses during Independence Day parade [Video]

• Mother and daughter ‘married’ to the same man share experience

• I’ve been sick for the past 10 years; confined to a wheelchair – NDC guru

Speaking on The Breakfast Club on New York-based radio station Power FM he said that he has always been defensive, especially when he is attacked.

Hence, when Shatta Wale attempted to climb the VGMA stage with a crew while Stonebwoy accepted his award, the ‘Everlasting’ hitmaker said that he was not going to stand by idle.

“Naturally, I am quickly defensive and we have been having this beef for years. I don’t even know where it is stemming from but that is how that brother moved at that period attacking everybody,” he said.

Stonebwoy added that “to step on that stage to do whatever was not something we were going to accept and if he came alone then we could probably understand.”

Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were banned indefinitely from participating in the VGMAs after an altercation between them marred the 2019 edition.

The ‘Activate’ hitmaker was on stage accepting the Reggae/Dancehall artiste award for the fifth time in a row when Shatta Wale attempted to move to the stage.

His reason for going was unknown especially since he moved with some members of the Shatta Movement. He had also been having beefs with Stonebwoy, thus, his action left people stunned.

A brawl later ensued and Stonebwoy brandished a gun. Shatta Wale later said that he was going to congratulate Stonebwoy.

Meanwhile, following the brawl the former rivals were also stripped of the awards they won on the night and asked to return the plaques they had been given.

In 2021, the board internally agreed to lift its ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy ahead of the 2021 edition of the show.

But the two did not submit any work that year. In 2022 Stoneboy did submit his work and won the Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year.

Shatta Wale, however, did not do so.

MORE:

• Groom almost in tears after seeing bride at wedding ceremony

• Policeman beats brother of popular gospel musician to death

• Soldiers, Police should be deployed to Parliament on February 7 – Obiri Boahen [Audio]

According to her, she cannot tell if she has been blacklisted by the organisers because she does trendy songs.

Talking further, Sista Afia revealed she sometimes cry about it because it is one thing that really bothers her mind.

I don’t know if I am blacklisted or anything. I feel like I am putting in so much work. Sometimes I sit on my bed and cry out.

According to the Weather hitmaker, some industry players dont believe in her hard work since they think she has it all on a silver platter.

She disclosed that, since she is an independent artiste, there are times she has to rely on her mother to shoot some of her music videos.

People think because I have been abroad I am different. I don’t have any record label and all. Thank God that I have a good family. My mother really supports me. Sometimes I don’t have money to shoot music video. My mum paid for Jeje, Party and Asuoden music videos. I refund them when she needs money to do something in Ghana, sha said.

READ MORE:

• Groom plays video of wife cheating on their wedding day

• EC finally speaks on Adwoa Safo’s seat

• Maame Dokono makes shocking revelation about Waakye’s death [Listen]

The young man who went viral for his striking resemblance to the artiste was seen with the same hairstyle and outfit that Kuami Eugene graced the VGMA red carpets with.

One side of his outfit was designed with a faded yellow sponge that went beyond his waist line while the other looked like a normal jacket.

Highlife artiste, Kuami Eugene, on Saturday, May 7, showed up on the red carpet of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards with his most daring outfit yet.

He was seen in a suit with one side of his head braided and the other combed out. His outfit also had two sides to it, one with a luxury suit and the other with a normal suit.

The outfit which he explained was a concept, had social media users calling on his label mate, KiDi to lend his stylist to Kuami Eugene.

But, explaining his outfit, Kuami Eugene said it is a concept he was working on for his upcoming album, ‘Rags to Riches’.

The star-studded event began with a high fashion Red Carpet at the Grand Arena, where fan-favourite stars gathered for a night of history.

The rap executioner, Obrafour and Tinny were the first to hit the stage and open the show. Their performance was nostalgic and electrifying.

The wow factor though was the fact that the legendary rappers were not billed as performers on the night; it was a surprise to see these two legendary rappers. This is the first time ever, that the duo performed their hit song ‘Oye Ohene’ remix together on any stage.

Lyrical Joe was the recipient of the coveted Best Rap Performance Award. He is one of the youngest to have received it, he is only the second person to have received that award at the first nomination in 2010.

ALSO READ:

• I expected to win more than one award at this year’s VGMA – Okyeame…

• VGMA23: Popular video vixen’s sheer dress gets fans talking

Video of Black Sherif leaving VGMA stage in ‘Pragya’ causes stir

Agya Koo Nimo, the honoree of the night, was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long career in music and entertainment — from releasing hits to teaching and helping preserve the highlife genre and legacy. He is 92, his grandson received the Award and delivered a heartwarming message on his behalf.

Niella, Amaarae, Kwaisey Pee, Black Sherif, S3fa, Bosom P-Yung won their first VGMA accolades as Akwaboah picked his first non-technical category Award.

The ultimate crown was carried by Lynx Entertainment, Empire Music and Made In East New York joint signee KiDi. He picked a whopping 5 awards on the back of his world hit – Touch it.

Here is a recap of some of the most show-stopping moments of the #VGMA23.

Joe Mettle and Niiella’s breathtaking performance on stage

Gospel singers, Joe Mettle and Niiella showed pure class and mastery over live performance. Their vocal dexterity and agility were exceptional as was their synergy. Without knowing better anyone would believe the duo was a group.

Their performance was in no doubt the most outstanding vocal performance on the night. The duo performed ‘Ye Obua Me’ a song from Joe Mettle’s The Experience Album. It was such a delight watching the duo perform.

Their vocals to costume, stagecraft, and attitude were one for the gods.

The Stonebwoy comeback

Stonebwoy returned to the VGMA stage after a two-year absence. In 2019, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were banned indefinitely from the VGMA following a brawl at the 20th Anniversary of the Scheme which disrupted the ceremony and threatened the safety of patrons.

Eventually, the ban was lifted and he is back for good.

He cemented his relevance and place in the Scheme over the years with a stunning re-enactment of his “Le Gba Gbe” video.

He had such presence and control on the stage, he was simply amazing. In his performance, there was suspense, class and excellence. It felt as though the stage was set for the Reggae/Dancehall star.

He topped his show up with significant wins, Stonebwoy scooped three Awards – Music For Good, the Vodafone Green Award and the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year.

Black Sherif’s red case travel to the #VGMA23 stage

‘Kwaku the Traveller’ crooner, Black Sherif gave the fans another splendid performance; he emerged from a box, walked on stage with a suitcase and left in ‘Pragya’ (a tricycle). Blacko is almost always in the trends on Twitter for his lyrics, topping charts and now he will be for pulling a stunning performance.

Camidoh’s ‘sugarcane’ remix performance with Mayorkun and King Promise

Ghanaian Afrobeats/Afropop singer, Camidoh was expected to perform as he had been advertised for the bill, what we did not know was which song(s) he was going to perform. He gave a Live Rendition of his latest “Sugarcane Remix” and introduced the featured acts on the song.

King Promise and Mayorkun were about the biggest surprise for patrons of the night. As if that was not enough Tik Tok stars were paraded on stage to perform the dance associated with the hit song. Mayorkun also performed his hit single ‘Holy Father’.

A KiDi elaborate performance

Hands down, the most outstanding performance on the night was that of KiDi. I dare say it is his best performance on any Ghanaian stage yet and is likely to go down as one of the best in his career.

He set off with a Neo-Soul/R&B vibe, spinning on stage with a background of sensually dancing silhouette ladies. He switched to a carnival and fireworks mode while delivering some of his biggest hits in the last year with a mini elegant show of carnival costumes interspaced with masquerades.p

Twitter – Blue Zone

This year saw the creation of a special zone for Twitter on the back of a partnership with the scheme. The zone was set up to the top of taste and was a major highlight of the Red Carpet, in fact, it stole the shine of the Red Carpet and saw celebrities walkthrough for chitchat made available on the 2nd largest and loudest social media platform.

According to him, “the song was such a big one” and should have won more awards considering the massive streams and recognition it attracted.

The song which features Kuami Eugene received three nominations, including ‘Collaboration of the Year’, ‘Vodafone Most Popular Song’ and ‘Hiplife Song of the Year’ – the only category it won.

“When Kuami and I were recording the song, award wasn’t on our minds. This was during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and we wanted to do a song to calm nerves. The very first week we released the song, it became a hit.

“We were not looking for an award [but] when the song became a hit and all those streams, and it was trending for about five months, then we realised that it will collect some awards,” he said in an interview on Prime Morning, Monday.

“I am grateful for the one I have. I can’t wait to have it and add it to my collection.”

Okyeame Kwame expressed gratitude to his fans, the media and people who contributed in diverse ways to keep him relevant in the industry.

He added that the greatest blessing he ever received was his parents, saying they allowed him to express himself and find his voice.

“It was amazing. It’s as if every year, I win an award or some awards. I was the only artiste in that award scheme that won the first VGMA, and also, the last one they just did, I won one. VGMA has five different plaques – I have one of each of the five.

“So, to tell you the truth, I am honoured, and I think I am the only artiste in Ghana who has received one of all the five different changes and evolutions of the plaque.

“For me, I think God has blessed the people and me in Ghana especially; they have made it possible that I can eat from music until I die, and for that, I am forever grateful,” he stated.

MORE:

• CCTV footage of gory accident at Labone junction

• The African nation that lasted only 12 days

• Stonebwoy pays Tinny’s ‘debt’ [Video]

The actress born Abena Serwaa Frimpong Manso graced the event in a sheer dress showing her breasts.

ALSO READ:

• Fans shocked over Kumawood actress Shugatiti’s dress to father’s funeral

• Kumawood actress loses dad

• My mum wanted to abort me but my granny intervened – Actress

But some social media users are unimpressed with her outfit, stating that she did not have bare her breast for the world to see.

Others who believe the criticisms are unfair urged the video vixen to wear what she loves and feels comfortable in.

Watch her dress in the video she shared on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shugatiti (@shugatiti)

Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, left the stage in a tricycle known in Ghanaian parlance as ‘pragya’ after thrilling patrons with his popular songs.

ALSO READ:

• Black Sherif, R2Bees join Burna Boy, Davido, Chris Brown on Afro Nation Portugal lineup

• Kwaw Kese calls out Burna Boy over Black Sherif

• Black Sherif garners over 75 audio streams with Kwaku The Traveller

His entrance and final dramatic exit from the stage erupted loud cheers from patrons in the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.

The ‘Kwaku the Traveller’ hit maker won the ‘Best Hip-hop Song of the Year’ on the night.

Fans who watched Black Sherif online were delighted by his performance.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sammy Kumah (@sammykaymedia)

For a moment, many who were seated in the auditorium thought the musician might not show up.

His choreographers had already mounted the stage displaying their craft but Stonebwoy appeared after three of his songs were played.

Reacting to the delay in an interview on Hitz FM, Stonebwoy said it was all part of a plan.

He explained that, since he was returning after being banned for two years, the organisers wanted his performance to be dramatic.

The plan was not to come on the stage immediately.. They [audience] were supposed to feel like I won’t be on the stage. I saw tweets of people saying I won’t turn up.

It worked and I wouldn’t lie to anyone. There are people involved you can crosscheck and know that was the plan. I pulled it so well that I confused them. I didn’t tell the band where I would start singing. Even my own crew didn’t know what was happening, he told show host Andy Dosty.

Meanwhile, Stonebwoy’s return to the VGMA stage after two years was a triumphant one for him.

The ‘Run Go’ hitmaker swept three awards, including the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award. The others were Music for Good and the Vodafone Green Award.

This is Stonebwoy’s sixth time taking home the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award. He beat Samini, Larusso and Epixode.

Ras Kuuku won the award in 2020, and in 2021 Epixode took the win.

MORE:

• Stonebwoy pays Tinny’s ‘debt’ [Video]

• What Akufo-Addo told Edem when he offered to perform ‘Toto’ at his 78th birthday party [Video]

• Truth about Auntie B’s rumoured death revealed

The ‘Everlasting’ hitmaker swept three awards, including the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award.

This is Stonebwoy’s sixth time taking home the coveted award. He beat Samini, Larusso and Epixode.

Before Stonebwoy was banned from the VGMA, he won the award five consecutive times.

Ras Kuuku then won the award in 2020, and in 2021 Epixode took the win.

The ‘Therapy’ singer also took home two other awards. They are Music for Good and the Vodafone Green Award.

Stonebwoy also performed some of his biggest hits, including Everlasting, Baafira, 1Gad, Putuu and others.

Some fans have been reacting to Stonebwoy’s win:

#VGMA23 VGMA should just name the reggae/dancehall artiste category as the Stonebwoy award cos man is undisputed! ? Even if he sleeps the whole year sef he still go win am. I know my #GOAT? @stonebwoy #VGMA23 #VGMAonTV3

— A Hakim JahDon (@HakimJahdon) May 8, 2022

Every young artist needs to learn 4rm Stonebwoy. His growth is so beautiful to watch. His consistency, his ability to be dynamic; being able to create diverse music and not confining himself in a box. His work ethic is crazy. He works like an underground artist #VGMA23 #VGMAonTV3

— Big Banks ? (@Generic_User88) May 8, 2022

What more can I say??? @stonebwoy is a brand to emulate …. A brand to be studied by any serious artiste… You came, you saw & you are sure conquering forever… #VGMAonTV3 #VGMA23

— ?#IAM_D°E°L°A°L°I (K!NG DAV!D)? (@dasilva_GH) May 8, 2022

Stonebwoy Wins Vodafone Green ? Award at this year #VGMA23 #GreedyMan is just a Master Piece ? pic.twitter.com/1c00HbIueK

— SpinTex StoneGad ?? (@IkeDeModel1) May 8, 2022

It’s a @stonebwoy thing.
Name it after him ?❤️#VGMA23 #VGMAonTV3 #VGMA2022

You guys shouldn’t forget to stream #Therapy pic.twitter.com/qP32GJneuG

— Eddie_Burniton1 (@EdwinBurniton1) May 8, 2022

Stonebwoy Picking up we he left off a true gem???✌️

— Asiedu Eben (@nana_phils) May 8, 2022

The musician, who failed to claim the ultimate spot in 2021 after his famous ‘I’ll be back’ phrase, returned to win his first-ever Artiste of the Year Award.

He beat stiff competition from Black Sherif, King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Sarkodie and Joe Mettle to emerge winner.

KiDi also swept away some of the biggest awards on the night especially with his hit song ‘Touch It’.

They include Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year (Touch It), Vodafone Most Popular Song (Touch It), Album of the Year (The Golden Boy) and the Afrobeats Artiste of the Year.

Accepting his award on the night, KiDi said “delay is not denial, Glory be to God. I want to thank MTN hitmaker for introducing me to Ghana. To the media, my fans, my friends, to my big boy Zane, to my mother, Ghana thank you so much.”

Although Black Sherif did not grab the ultimate award on the night, he took home the Best New Artiste award and the Hip-hop Song of the Year award as well.

Joe Mettle also took home the Gospel Artiste of the Year award. Meanwhile, Kofi Kinaata won the Highlife Song of the Year award with Thy Grace.

This is why it comes as a shock for one young man to be nominated for both this year with greats like Ohemaa Mercy, Black Sherif and even 2022 VGMA Artiste of the Year, Diana Hamilton.

This young man is an urban gospel singer who goes by the name, Evans Scott.

Currently, Evans Scott has one of the biggest urban gospel songs in Ghana ― Mapek3. Released four months ago, Mapek3 has garnered close to a million views on YouTube alone.

The young star has performed his Amapiano-styled song on many huge platforms in Ghana, bringing urban gospel into the limelight.

In this year’s 3Music Awards, Evans Scott was nominated along Malcom Nuna and the sensational Kwame Yogot among others in the Breakthrough Act of the Year category. Amazingly, he was the only gospel act in the category.

In the VGMAs, the young king has two nominations with Mapek3. He has been nominated in the Best New Artiste category with Sefa, Mona 4 Real and Black Sherif among others.

In the same award scheme, he is in the Best Gospel Song category with Celestine Donkor, Diana Hamilton, Joyce Blessing, Joe Mettle, Bethel Revival Choir, Obaapa Christy, Ohemaa Mercy, Akesse Brempong and Empress Gifty.  Indeed, the youngest in the category.

On UTV’s United Showbiz last weekend, fellow nominee and gospel artiste, Joyce Blessing, questioned how the young man found his way onto the nomination list since she had never heard of him.

The multi-million-dollar question on everybody’s mind is, “Did Evans Scott get to where he is now by some stroke of luck or indeed he has worked hard for it?”

Going through the Mapek3 crooner’s repertoire on YouTube reveals how consistent he has been in investing in the quality of his visuals.

Being in a fraternity where quality visual content is rare points to how much professionalism Evans Scott has attached to his body of work.

A sneak peek of his colorful and jaw-dropping music videos tells the story of how expensive music can be if one wants to pay the price of excellence.

Recently, the urban gospel artiste took a trip to Nigeria to promote Mapek3. Earlier, a Nigerian band, the 7th Sound, had done an overwhelming cover of his song. He dedicates his social media pages to actively and consistently promoting his works and even those of others.

For a young man to give his all to his craft, it goes without saying that he has worked hard to earn his crown.

Evans Scott lost in the 3Music Awards. As to whether he will win in the VGMAs, only time (and of course money) will tell.

However, whether he wins or not, his life has taught every young person out there to go all out to chase their dreams. The harder one works, the luckier they get. What people say is impossible may have been impossible to them… but not to everybody.

By Kobina Ansah

The writer is a Ghanaian playwright and Chief Scribe of Scribe Communications – an Accra-based writing firm

MORE:

• Why fans are not happy about Maame Serwaa’s bridesmaid dress exposing her boobs

• Driver’s mate dead, others in critical condition after accident on Winneba Highway [Photos]

• Vladimir Putin’s ‘end date’ for Ukraine war

In an interview with KMJ on Daybreak Hitz, the gospel singer mentioned that she deserved to be nominated in that category.

According to the ‘Oluwa is Involved’ singer, her nomination in the ‘Best Gospel Song of the Year’ is enough to automatically land her in that category.

“I should have been nominated in the gospel artiste of the year category too. If I was nominated for best gospel song, what shows I couldn’t make it to best gospel artiste category?” she quizzed.

Joyce Blessing, who is currently promoting her latest single titled ‘Trending’, mentioned that she is waiting for the right time to say her mind on the VGMA award scheme.

“I am waiting for the right time to speak on the VGMA. I’ve been through a lot for some time now and I am rebuilding my career. I need to stay focused. This is not the time to fight over awards,” she said.

There were rumors surrounding an alleged divorce between the singer and her husband and ex-manager, Dave Joy.

This caused her music career to take a seeming nosedive.

Nevertheless, ‘the Unbreakable’ Joyce Blessing still believes she is on the right path to reviving her career.

She told KMJ that she does not need anyone to tell her she is a good artiste.

KMJ averred that for the past eight years, she has tried her best to be consistent with her music, stage craft, content, videos and brand.

MORE:

• If you want my position, you can come for it – Adwoa Safo told [Audio]

• List of confirmed bidders to buy Chelsea

• 2face is dying slowly – Family makes shocking revelation

Speaking on Daybreak Hitz he said “for the ‘Artiste of the Year’, everyone knows I was supposed to be nominated. Even if I wasn’t going to win, I was supposed to be there.”

In 2021, the ‘Praise’ hit-maker was among the few notable Ghanaian musicians to excel at their field of play within and outside the country, and has won a larger audience appeal and popularity within the year under review.

For that reason, he argued that he falls within the criteria to be included in the list.

“Looking at the year under review and what it takes to be nominated, I qualify. Last year, I was everywhere. I dropped hit songs, did a lot of shows – both international and local. I did my best,” he told KMJ on Hitz FM.

The Afropop artiste is also of the view that his omission from the highly enviable category this year, somewhat flaws the category definition and the selection of some of the artistes who made the list.

This is because some of the artistes chosen for the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category either got a total of five nominations or less.

“I had five nominations. And so if I do not qualify to be there, then I think most of the artistes who qualified to be there were also not supposed to be there because they had the same number of nominations I got,” he observed.

This comes after some Fameye fans expressed their disappointment in the VGMA Board on social media for their favourite artiste’s exclusion.

Singer Ras Kuuku, rapper Captain Planet and Broadcaster Abeiku Santana are among the few public figures to publicly register their displeasure about Fameye’s ‘Artiste of the Year’ snub.

Be that as it may, the ‘Mati’ hit-maker expressed immense gratitude to his fans for the campaign and fellow artistes for their support, one he describes as ‘awesome and refreshing’.

Fameye earned a nomination in the following categories for this year’s edition of VGMA: Best Afropop Song, Record of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Best Highlife Artiste and Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year.

MORE:

• If you want my position, you can come for it – Adwoa Safo told [Audio]

• List of confirmed bidders to buy Chelsea

• 2face is dying slowly – Family makes shocking revelation

According to him, Stonebwoy willingly showed interest in returning to the VGMA scheme.

“The scheme is in such a way that you need to be able to show interest to be a part of the scheme, and once you show interest, we work with you, so Stonebwoy showed interest and so we worked,” he said.

Explaining why Shatta Wale has not joined the scheme on  Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz show, he said “Stonebwoy showed interest, Shatta Wale did not.”

“The interest can be a form of either you’re filing or giving consent, anything but you have to show interest,” Mr Klah added.

• Why fans are not happy about Maame Serwaa’s bridesmaid dress exposing her boobs

• Popular Ghanaian Vogue editor finally marries longtime boyfriend, Checkout Hollywood stars who attended

• Russian model who trashed Putin on social media found dead in suitcase

Describing how Stonebwoy joined the scheme, he disclosed that it was by his own consent which permitted the scheme to work with him again.

“I don’t want to get into the details of how it happened but I think the most important thing is that he established that there was a clear interest,” he noted.

“The interest is translated in the consent given which is the reason why we were able to put him on the scheme because without his permission, there is no way we can put him on the scheme,” he added.

Prior to this, the two artistes, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, were slapped with an indefinite ban after the two were caught in a brawl during the award ceremony in 2019.

Per the Board Chairman, the fracas disrupted the ceremony and threatened the safety of patrons. The two were, thus, excluded from participating in the 2020 edition of the event.

Following sober reflections from the two dancehall music stars for their actions, the VGMA Board arrived at a consensus to admit them back to the scheme, hoping that such altercations will not reoccur in the subsequent editions of the scheme.

The ban was, thus, lifted on 28th January 2021.

Nevertheless, Shatta Wale, after being reached out by representatives of the award scheme, declined to take part in the 2022 edition of the ceremony.

According to him, he believes all the musicians who made it to the list are potential winners, hence there is no need for him to be worried about critics.

Joe Mettle added that, even if he is substituted with another nominee, the brouhaha wouldn’t be cancelled.

One thing he noted was that he didn’t file for the nomination but his manager did it on his behalf.

There is a a criteria they used… so if the organisers think you fit that’s what makes them nominate you. There are lots of things that happen at the background and the fact that they are not out there doesn’t mean they not happening. There is music and there is work and I think I haven’t been posting most of my works here.

Anyone in the category can win. Don’t underestimate anyone. People have those they are rooting for so I can win and anyone else can too.

When he was asked what his reaction was after chancing on Ras Kuuku’s statement, Joe Mettle said he laughed.

When I saw it I laughed. If he was also nominated they would do the same thing. No matter who happens to be there… there are times that people don’t deserve to be in a category every year. I dont think this is new in terms of how people feel.

Additionally, the Bo Noo Ni hitmaker said he has grown a tough skin for negative critics, hence critics against his Artiste of the Year nomination don’t get to him.

I guess it comes with the work. Everyone will not be happy with you. Whether you win or lose, people will have their issues. if you are worried about people, it can take too much energy out of you so life goes on.

Watch the video below:

In an interview with Andy Dosty on Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, he said the board didn’t even have enough groups for the category, adding that the category also lacked competition among the existing groups.

“’Group of the Year’ for this particular year, we’ve seen it to be not competitive. We do not have enough groups this year.”

The VGMAs have seen music groups such as Keche (2021), DopeNation (2020), Bethel Revival Choir (2019), Wutah (2018), VVIP (2017) and more win that category.

He added that the board decided to rest the category this year, with the hope of having challenging groups in the following years.

“So for this particular year, we are resting it and in subsequent years, if we have enough coming, we will bring it back”

Meanwhile, Robert Klah revealed that the award scheme monitors the streaming of each artiste and has a particular software that facilitates the tracking.

Robert added that the board conducts its survey by speaking to people on the streets, radio personalities, frontline personalities and DJs to aid in the collation of data.

READ ALSO:

• Empress Gifty’s old photo pops up; fans react

• List of confirmed bidders to buy Chelsea

• I want my dead body featured in a movie – Mama Jane of Osofo Dadzie’s wish

He made this comment because he was not nominated under the EP of the Year, despite being nominated in the Hiphop Song of the Year, Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year and Best Rapper of the Year.

Charter House on Sunday announced the artistes nominated for various categories of Awards in the Ghana Music Industry.

In a viral video on social media the rapper is sighted expressing his disappointment stating that he should

have been nominated under the EP of the Year.

He further disclosed that his hit song ‘Patient EP’ should have been in that category because it did so well under the year in review.

Although he was disappointed, he appreciated by thanking his fans for the opportunity to be part of the nominees.

The rapper added that Charter House, the organizers should have done better.

According to him, Black Sherif and Kidi are the best fit for the Artiste of the Year award.

“Let me tell you, this year, the Artiste of the Year is between Blacko and Kidi and that is a fact,” he said.

Clarifying his reason for proposing the two artistes on Adom TV’s Badwam Ahosepe, he stated that the two musicians have worked hard, hence deserve to be Artiste of the Year.

“When we are talking about musicians who have worked all the musicians should agree to it that these two brothers of ours have really worked hard so let’s cheer them,” Ras Kuuku noted.

Ras Kuuku also lamented his dissatisfaction towards the absence of some artistes eligible for other categories.

“Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) is for all of us but sometimes we need to speak out when something is going wrong,” he said.

“I don’t understand why I didn’t see Blacko’s name in the Most Popular Song category and Fameye in the Artiste of the Year category, that’s what pains me most,” he added.

He added that “when we talk about a song that was a hit in Ghana in the year 2021, which song surpasses Blacko’s Second Sermon and when it comes to Artistes who have worked hard, who can be compared to Fameye so why is Fameye not in the list?”

According to him, he cannot fathom why Joe Mettle has over the years been nominated in the category when his works doesn’t amount to the value for him to be honoured as such.

The nominees in the tight category were King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Sarkodie, Black Sherif, KiDi and Joe Mettle.

Talking further on the Daybreak Hitz on Hitz FM, Ras Kuuku said Joe Mettle’s Ye Obua Mi song can never be rated over Fameye’s Praise song, hence its apt for Fameye to be in the Artiste of the Year category and not Joe Mettle.

Earlier, Ras Kuuku took to his social media pages to query if the VGMA award scheme belongs to Joe Mettle only.

Everyone did well but in terms of Joe Mettle we want to know what he actually did for him to be there. Just like when he won Artiste of the Year years ago. I never knew him until he won it at that time.

Joe Mettle did nothing last year and it’s a fact. I’m not supposed to listen to gospel songs before I know a hit song.

According to Ras Kuuku, the VGMA board failed to nominate his Fakye song though he was the most active Reggae/Dancehall musician.

The board said I did nothing so I wasn’t nominated. If you are not being nominated it means your work didn’t catch up to what they are looking for. I filed for nomination for my Fakye song.

Can you tell me Joe Mettle’s hit song…? My Fakye was released around June, July last year and I filed for Reggae Dancehall song of the Year. I can see most of the reggae dancehall DJs complaining.

Is it because it is bashing the politicians? I am not complaining about mine. When I saw Artiste of the Year and I saw Joe Mettle without Fameye…Which of Joe Mettle’s songs can match Fameye’s Praise? Joe Mettle is a good composer but the truth is what did he do to win that?

Joe Mettle being in the Artiste of the Year category is an insult to all musicians in Ghana – Ras Kuuku. Didn’t Fameye work last year? That Praise song isn’t it big enough to be in the Artiste of the Year?

MORE:

• Barker-Vormawor’s interesting post after being released

• Avail your drivers for fire management training – Police urge vehicle owners

• Russia’s lethal ‘exoskeleton’ suits that give soldiers deadly ‘battlefield powers’

They are spreading the VGMA story of the ‘Second Sermon’ hitmaker by using #Blacko.

The organisers of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) on Saturday began releasing the list of nominees for this year’s awards.

In this list, Black Sherif stands against Sarkodie, Joe Mettle, King Promise, KiDi and Kuami Eugene for the Artiste of the Year award.

Users believe his nomination goes to prove how far the artiste has come. They are hopeful Black Sherif will be crowned Artiste of the Year award at the end of the ceremony.

Black Sherif also features in some other categories such as Best HipLife/HipHop Artiste, Best Hiphop Song of the Year with his popular song ‘Second Sermon’, Male Vocal Performance of the Year.

The others are International Collaboration of the Year, where he featured Burna Boy in ‘Second Sermon Remix’, Vodafone Most Popular Song, and Best New Artiste.

Although Blacko is up against great artistes, users believe he will bag many awards.

In the new list released by the organisers, Stonebwoy made his comeback appearing in the Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year category.

Two of his hit songs were nominated for the category – ‘1Gad’ and ‘Greedy Men’. He is going against KiDi (Touch It), Samini (Picture), Larusso (New Gen) and Epixode (Odeshie).

Stonebwoy has also been nominated for the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award.

He is up against the 2021 winner Epixode, Samini and Larusso.

This comes a year after the VGMA board lifted the ban it placed on Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale in 2019.

The two were banned indefinitely from participating in the VGMAs after an altercation between them marred the 2019 edition.

For the first time in the then 20-year history of the Ghana Music Awards, organisers failed to announce the winner of the ‘Artiste of the Year’ category due to the brawl.

During a press conference, the organisers stated that the two artistes breached the code of conduct of the scheme.

Mark Okraku-Mantey, who was a member of the Board, at the time, explained that the Board has the right to dismiss or disqualify any nominee who misbehaves or brings the Awards into disrepute.

The former rivals were also stripped of the awards they won on the night and asked to return the plaques they were given. 

In 2020, Charterhouse, organisers of the award scheme, enforced the ban placed on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy. The duo did not make it in that years’ nominees’ list and all the works they featured on also did not make it to the list.

But in 2021, the Board decided to lift the ban.

In a statement released by the Board of the VGMA, they noted that although lifting the ban made Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy eligible to participate in the event, the two opted not to join the competition that year.

Stonebwoy revealed that this decision was taken without any prior consultation with either of them, casting doubt on the true purpose of the VGMA as an award scheme.

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale is yet to make the list.

It is also unclear why Stonewboy chose this year for his return. A rep for Stonebwoy did not immediately grant Joy Entertainment’s request for a comment. He indicated that an official announcement would be made in due course.

MORE:

• Former NADMO staff arrested over GHS43K salary [Video]

• Empress Gifty’s old photo pops up; fans react

• 9 UEW students die in gory accident at Asuboi