Ghanaian rapper Edem Goget’emhas stated in a recent post on X that he should have won the Artiste of the Year slot in the 2015 Ghana Music Awards.
Likening his situation to this year’s Ballon d’Or, which Vinicius Jr. did not win, contrary to the expectations of a lot of people, he alluded in the post that even though he merited the Artiste of the Year award, it went to a different artiste.
“Why #BallondOr come dey behave like the way VGMA take do me 2015 Artist of the Year? This is a heinous crime!! A daylight robbery!! … Vinicius Jr. is the REAL WINNER’? ” he wrote.
In 2015, the nominees for the Artiste of the Year category in the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards were Daddy Lumba, Stonebwoy, Guru, Edem, MzVee, Sarkodie, and Samini.
Stonebwoy, who won the Artiste of the Year slot, said in his speech, “I believe that the other artists are happy I won. Behold how tall we have grown. This is well deserved.”
Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, and Edem, who were the biggest winners on the night, took home three (3) awards each.
Edem’s ‘Koene’ had several nominations, as the remix of his song ‘The One’ also earned him a nomination in the Best Rapper Category.
Gospel artist Diana Hamilton, has revealed that her victory as Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) brought enrichment and increased exposure to her career.
In 2021, the “Adom” hitmaker made history by becoming the first female gospel musician to clinch the ultimate prize at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
During an interview on the Red Carpet segment of the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday, February 7th, Hamilton shared that her VGMA win has led to additional ambassadorial roles.
“VGMA did not put any money in my hands, but it has helped me in a tremendous way by exposing me to a lot of brands and becoming their ambassador.”
“I have never shied away from saying that I am a church girl and that I attend the church of Pentecost. It is my life, and I am proud of it. I do not have a double standard of living,” Hamilton said.
Watch the full interview below:
“VGMA did not put any money in my hands, but it has helped me in a tremendous way by exposing me to a lot of brands and becoming their ambassador.”
“I have never shied away from saying that I am a church girl and that I attend the church of Pentecost. It is my life, and I am proud of it. I do not have a double standard of living,” Hamilton said.
Celebrated Gospel Sensation, Diana Hamilton has revealed that her victory as Artist of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) resulted in lucrative ambassadorial deals.
Despite not receiving any monetary prize as part of the VGMA Award, she emphasized that the recognition provided significant exposure, fueling the trajectory of her music career.
“VGMA did not put any money in my hands, but it has helped me in a tremendous way by exposing me to a lot of brands and becoming their ambassador,” She stated on the Red Carpet segment on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Wednesday 7 February, 2024
Diana Hamilton also expressed her pride in her religious faith and affiliation with the Church of Pentecost.
She emphasizes that her faith is an integral part of her life and identity, and she does not lead a contradictory or hypocritical lifestyle.
“I have never shied away from saying that I am a church girl and that I attend the church of Pentecost. It is my life, and I am proud of it. I do not have a double standard of living,” Hamilton said.
Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray Thursday, the singer indicated that Ghanaians are yet to understand the concept of a gospel musician doing music with a secular musician.
“But for now, I have not thought of having music with him (Black Sherif). For me, there is no problem but you know, some Christians haven’t understood that kind of collaboration between a gospel musician and a secular musician.
“The time is not right yet but gradually and definitely, it will get to a point that they will understand. However, I don’t want to get to that for now. But when the time is right,” madam Piesie stated.
She stated, however, that she really likes secular musicians such as Black Sherif, among others and does listen to their songs on the radio.
Piesie Esther earlier this year was poised to win the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Artiste of the Year award ahead of her fiercest contender, Black Sherif, however, Blacko emerged as the winner.
The eagerly anticipated music video for the collaboration between Ghanaian artist Abiana and musician Fameye, titled ‘Far Away,’ has been released.
The video was unveiled on Thursday, August 10 on Abiana’s YouTube channel.
For those who hold a deep appreciation for the profound concept of love, “Far Away” emerges as a masterfully crafted melody, a wellspring of inspiration for couples.
Within this latest musical composition, the two harmonious souls entwine their voices to express an unwavering devotion, an enduring promise of steadfast companionship.
The music video was filmed in Ghana, where the vibrant and captivating visuals elaborately transport the viewer into the scene.
Throughout the duration of the video, the audience is presented with exceptional camerawork and innovative artistic choices.
Abiana found inspiration for her beautiful music in the strong power of love. She watched how two people in love can stay strong together through tough times and keep their feelings alive even when things are hard.
Abiana is not just a singer, she’s also good at writing songs. She started off as a backup singer with Afro-Harmony and then became the lead singer of the Hyskul band in 2014.
In 2020, she started her own solo music journey and got people’s attention with her first song, “Adunle.”
Her first song, “Adunle,” got her nominated for awards like Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2021.
She kept getting recognized for her talent in the years that followed.
She even made a special song for the TV show “Ghana’s Most Beautiful.” People really liked it because it felt meaningful to them.
Abiana’s big moment came on November 6, 2021, when she released her first album, “Alemle Lala.”
She kept making great music, like the song “African Girl,” which became the official song for “Ghana’s Most Beautiful” in July 2022.
Then there was “Shika” in September of the same year.
Abiana’s music got her some cool awards too. She won Best Photography and Best Special Effect at the 4Syte Music Awards in 2020.
She also helped make the song “Bolgatanga Girl” with Okyeame Kwame, and that song won Record of the Year at the VGMA in 2022.
Abiana has made a big impact in music. People really connect with her songs. If you’ve been waiting for more of her music since “Shika” came out in September of the last year, get ready to dance to her new and captivating music.
Fameye on the other hand, won his first big music award. He got the Songwriter of the Year award at the 23rd VGMA event.
Fameye’s win is a big deal because he beat other experienced artists like Kofi Kinaata, who had won the award four times before.
His winning song is ‘Praise.’ This win is important because it breaks Kofi Kinaata’s long streak of winning the award.
The Swedru-based singer, Patapaa, has expressed his belief that a curse has been placed on the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) due to their decision to deny him an award in 2018.
Patapaa’s popular song, ‘One Corner,’ was nominated for ‘The Most Popular Song of the Year’ category alongside other artists, including Fancy Gadam’s ‘Total Cheat’ featuring Sarkodie.
Despite expectations that ‘One Corner’ would win, the award went to Fancy Gadam, leading to disappointment and allegations of unfairness.
In a recent interview, Patapaa stated that he believes God has cursed the VGMA organizers for giving the award to an undeserving artist.
“They (VGMA board) have to stop those things they’ve been doing. If someone deserves an award, you have to give it to him based on his output. They don’t have to take any stupid money to give an award to an undeserving artiste”.
He expressed frustration with the award scheme’s decision-making process, citing instances of controversy, such as Amakye Dede’s confession that he was pressured by the VGMA board to crown Kuami Eugene as the king of Highlife.
Patapaa alluded to the curse as a form of punishment for causing pain to someone. While he did not elaborate further, he highlighted the need for fair and just recognition of deserving artists without influence or unfair practices.
“I can see that God has placed a curse on the organizers 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.
Ghanaian rapper, Eno Barony has recently revealed that her journey in music was initially motivated by fun but later fueled by a strong desire to prove herself and defy the constraints imposed by others.
In an interview with the media, shared her realization of being hindered by others’ preconceived notions, ultimately embracing her individuality and transcending societal expectations.
“In the beginning, I was just like the fun of it and later, I wanted to prove a point to myself. I always felt like there are some things that I cannot do because people were like ‘Oh She’s an Ashaiman girl’, ‘Kumasi Girl’ or ‘She’s too fat’. It was bringing me down at a point So I had to prove to myself that I can do this,” she recounted.
Eno, whose real name is Ruth Eno Adjoa Amankwah Nyame Adom, was born in Tema, a city located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Throughout her life, Eno has experienced the habit of being labeled and categorized by others.
“I’ve always been odd. Back in school, they referred to me as ‘That Ashaiman Girl’, I went to tertiary in Kumasi and it was always ‘That Tema Girl’. I come and started doing rap, people are like oh ‘She’s a Kumasi Girl’,” she pointed out.
Eno Barony disclosed that one of the most painful labels she faced was being called “fat.” These derogatory remarks had a profound impact on her self-esteem. However, she made a conscious decision not to allow them to shape her identity or determine her journey.
“It got me especially when they called me ‘fat’ You are human so it can get to you at some point and I was like nah, I am bigger than my problem,” she continued.
Acknowledging her inherent value, she made a deliberate choice to transcend the negativity.
By doing so, she not only empowered herself but also became a source of inspiration for numerous individuals grappling with comparable body image concerns.
“I dropped all the negativity and people who were more plus size than I am will come to me and say ‘Oh you’re my icon’. I did not know I had an audience then. I have videos people sending to me crying and saying you make me feel that I’m beautiful,” she narrated.
In 2021, at the VGMA‘s, Eno Barony, who was 31 years old at the time, achieved a significant milestone by winning the esteemed Best Rap Performance award. She surpassed notable artists such as Medikal, Strongman, Joey B, and Amerado to claim this prestigious accolade.
A Ghanaian gospel singer, Joe Mettle, has stated that he regrets not taking his music lessons seriously during his school days.
In a recent interview, he revealed that he didn’t prioritize his music course due to a lack of intention to pursue it at the time.
“I think I should have taken my music lessons seriously when I was in school. At that time, I didn’t know I would be taking it up one day so I didn’t take it seriously. That is one regret I have in life,” he said.
With a remarkable musical journey, Joe Mettle has released seven albums and garnered numerous awards. He made history as the first Gospel artiste to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2017.
Joe Mettle also expressed contentment with his identity and the path that God has chosen for him.
He affirmed his love for who he is and embraced the purpose and assignment that God has entrusted to him.
He also had a word of gratitude to his fans: “I want to say thank you for supporting the gift and ministry God has given me. I believe that ministry is about people. So if they don’t support you, you have no ministry. Thank you for the prayers, the thoughts and everything you do to support what God has called me to do”.
The Organizers of theVodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMA), Charterhouse Production Ltd have vehemently denied playing any role in the crowning of Ghanaian musician, Kuami Eugene as the king of highlife music by Amakye Dede at the 20th VGMAs.
Robert Klah, head of public events and communication at Charterhouse speaking with Asaase Radio said it did not have any role to play in the controversial matter.
“We did not orchestrate any crowning session,” Klah said “So I am a bit lost when it comes to the assertion that event organisers are responsible.
According to Klah, the mandate ofCharterhouse was to ensure that the overall event runs smoothly and maintains a certain standard while providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talents.
“We work with a team… so, you give them the opportunity, they create what they want to do, …the only thing is that you want to ensure that whatever they are going to present is not distasteful, so they get there and perform their act and you move on,” Klah revealed
Amakye Dede in a recent interview revealed that he was forced to crown the young singer.
Elaborating on the incident, Amakye Dede stated, “Though I did that, it was not my will to do so, They forced me to crown Kuami Eugene.”
He further revealed that he initially handed over the crown he was given to someone else however, he was persuaded by others involved in the event to go ahead and crown Kuami Eugene.
“I even gave the crown they handed over to me to someone to put it down, but they later said, no I have to crown him, and I did it,” he shared.
Amakye Dede’s action received widespread criticism from various players in the music industry, including Zapp Mallet, Akwaboah and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo.
However, Charterhouse has clarified that they had no part in orchestrating the crowning session.
Amakye Dede’s commentary on the matter follows the same tangent his manager Akwesi Aboagye, stated in an interview on Anigye Mmre on Onua FM when the incident occurred in 2019.
According to Aboagye, Kiki Banson, who was responsible for the artist repertoire at the VGMAs, contacted him to inform him of their plan to have Amakye Dede crown Kuami Eugene during his performance.
“KiKi Banson, who was in charge of artiste repertoire for the 2019 VGMAs, called to inform me that as part of Amakye Dede’s performance, they want him to crown Kuami Eugene and I told him I have to speak to my artiste about it,” he revealed
Mr. Aboagye noted that Amakye Dede still declined the offer despite the persuasion, but he was ‘ambushed’ on stage when a crown was given to him unexpectedly to be put on Kuami Eugene’s head.
“So those who watched that act will know that something was not right. According to Amakye Dede, he was surprised to see a lady walk on stage to hand over a crown to him,” Mr Aboagye narrated.
Highlife musician Frank Mensah Pozo has expressed his opinion that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) is primarily designed for artists based in the country’s capital, rather than being inclusive of the entire nation.
According to him, the scheme established two decades ago, has only targeted Accra-based musicians leaving those outside the capital in darkness.
He claimed that, no matter how talented a musician is, unless he resides in Accra, organizers of the scheme always fail to acknowledge them.
“The VGMA is an Accra-based awards scheme. You won’t be awarded if you don’t live in Accra. How are you going to be awarded if you don’t stay there? Frank Mensah Pozo asked Ike Se Unpredictable on Angel Drive, monitored by MyNewsGH.com.
When asked to substantiate his claim, Frank Mensah Pozo challenged the Presenter to Google to see if any artiste who stayed behind the borders of Accra has received an award at the VGMA.
“It was only Lord Kenya who stayed in Kumasi and still got awarded by the VGMA”, he revealed.
The current VGMA Gospel Artiste of the Year, Piesie Esther, will make her first appearance in the United Kingdom to celebrate her recent success, organized by the Pan African Art Society, at the prestigious Dominion Centre in London.
This highly anticipated event promises to be a night of worship, uplifting music, and spiritual inspiration.
The gospel musician took to her Instagram account to announce the “good news” to her fans.
“LONDON GET READYYY!!!
“Good news for us all !! The ‘Waye me yie’ train is coming to your door step, my UK family!! ????
“Please if you are in the UK and Europe ???????? then kindly save this date Saturday 29th July 2023 I’m performing live at the Dominion center in London with other great supportive ministers from around the world.”
Piesie Esther has been making waves worldwide for two decades in the industry. With her current chart-topping hit song titled “Waye Me Yie,” a powerful worship song that resonates with listeners from all walks of life, she is poised to continue her remarkable endeavour of captivating her audiences.
The Pan African Art Society, known for its commitment to promoting African arts and culture, has curated an exceptional line-up for this gospel extravaganza. Speaking to Tru News Report, the CEO of the Pan African Art SocietyPK Ambrose stated, “The gospel event powerd by the Pan African Art Society aims to celebrate Piesie Esther’s 20 years in the industry and her accomplishments.” “We are honoured to have Piesie Esther to come to the UK to celebrate with her fans. Her hit song ‘Waye Me Yie’ is a testament to the positive impact gospel music can have on individuals and communities.”
Tickets for the concert are in high demand, with fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness this remarkable gathering. The Pan African Art Society advises interested individuals to secure their tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are available on Shoobs and Eventbrite.
For an evening of soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt worship, mark your calendars for July 29, 2023, and join Piesie Esther at the Dominion Centre in London.
For further details about the event, visit the Pan African Art Society’s official website.
The winner at the just ended Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Black Sherif, has responded to netizens who have compared him to Ghana’s most decorative rapper, Sarkodie.
Blacko in a discussion on UTV Showbiz explained that it’s unfair and meaningless for people to come to such a comparison
In his submission, he said whether or not his verse onSarkodie‘s album, still would have broke waves adding that Sarkodie is a brand on its own and has been in the industry for over a decade hence the shallow-minded comparison makes no sense.
“My verse on the Jams album doesn’t change anything, it would’ve still been big without me.
music is spiritual and I didn’t foresee the future of the album, Sarkodie is a big artiste, he has been doing this long ago before me, and he is a veteran but I just started, the comparison is senseless”
The Konongo star swept four plaques at the just-ended VGMA including the prestigious Artiste of the Year award beating stiff competition from Piesie Esther, Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Sarkodie, Camidoh, KiDi, and King Promise to win the award.
As a reward for his exceptional performance at the recently completed Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Black Sherif, the reigning Artiste of the Year, was delightfully surprised by his management with two brand new cars.
Black Sherif, 21, garnered four prestigious awards during the ceremony, including the highly coveted Artiste of the Year accolade.
His record label, Empire, commemorated his remarkable feat by presenting him with two gleaming cars, a gesture that has garnered immense support and well-wishes for the talented musician.
The video capturing the heartwarming moment has gone viral on social media and has been met with an outpouring of congratulatory messages for Black Sherif.
Black Sherif has been gifted two brand new cars by his management for winning this year’s VGMA ‘Artist of the Year’
In attendance at the event were Bola Ray, CEO of Brasa and Co-Founder Devtraco as well as the founder of A-List Management, Joseph Aidoo Jr, Herman Suede and members of A-List Management.
The artist’s remarkable victory in the VGMA’s Artist of the Year category came after fierce competition from esteemed contenders such as Piesie Esther, Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, Sarkodie, Camidoh, KiDi, and King Promise.
The recognition and rewards bestowed upon Black Sherif for his exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry reflect not only his personal triumph but also his growing presence on the international stage as he readies to perform in New York City on May 20, 2023
An entertainment commentator and artiste management, Bullgod, has stated that Shatta Wale’s ‘gringo’ visuals inspired Piesie Esther‘s ‘waye me yie’ video.
Speaking on TV3’s New Day show, Bullgod raised concerns about the similarities of both visuals, calling out for the lack of originality in the music video for her hit song ‘Wayɛ Me Yie’ hitting that the concept was influenced by dancehall art Shatta Wale’s GRINGO visuals.
According to him the lack of originality affected the chances of Piesie Esther’s Waye me yie to grab a win for the Best Music Video Award at the just-ended 24th VGMA
“That video is plagiarism, I told you that video was taken from Shatta Wale’s ‘gringo’, go and look at the Gringo video. There’s no originality in that video, it’s the same video. How do you expect to win with such a video??” he quizzed.
He expressed disappointment about the not-so-original video of the borrowed concept
“We are looking for originality in the art. If the person is not original in whatever they delivered how do you award them?? Go and watch the two videos,”
“She might have spent a lot of money on the video but it wasn’t original,”
His remarks have triggered conversations online about the significance of creativity and innovation in music videos with many industry professionals and fans also expressing their views on the matter.
A Ghanaian singer, DJ Azonto, has revealed that he spent GH20,000 voting in the hopes of emerging winner in the New Artiste category at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2023.
He stated that he expected to win that category.
He informed Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Sokoohemaa Kukua that he expected to be nominated for Artiste of the Year, Gospel Song, and Songwriter of the Year.
“I was expecting to be nominated in ten categories,” DJ Azonto informed the host. My song Fano Fom was a big hit, and I would have gotten an award for it. I recorded the song on my own and would have gotten rewarded for it.”
“I created my own hit. I didn’t need Burna to strike. I personally spent GH¢20,000 to vote for the new artist. I’m not making this up. The song should have been nominated in almost every category,” he continued.
Lasmid won the 2023 VGMA New Artiste award.
Meanwhile, DJ Azonto has claimed that his outfit for the VGMAs employed more than 200 employees.
He stated that the fashion designer who dressed him had gotten other requests to produce gowns for them.
Afropop singer-songwriter Wiyaala from Ghana, has made claims that only performers from Accra are recognized and promoted by the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), which are run by Charterhouse.
In a recent interview on The North Podcast with Prince Hamdan Banang, she revealed that the popular scheme had spelt out criteria for the selection of nominees which she thinks she doesn’t qualify and so has stopped filing nominations.
According to her, the criteria involves having one’s songs played on all radio stations in the capital, which is not possible for her because of her choice of language.
“Let’s not tickle and make a fool of ourselves, it’s very obvious and glaring what VGMA is all about”- Wiyaala
“In my heart I believe VGMA is trying to get all of us involved. But let’s not tickle and make 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,” she said.
Wiyaala pointed out 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 said 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.
“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,” she said.
Ghana’s Amapiano “King” Mark Kwesi Arthur, popularly known as DJ Azonto, has reacted to critics over his VGMA outfit in a new song with Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin titled “One Prayer.”
In the upcoming song, DJ Azonto reiterates his claim that he is not gay and expresses his irritation at the criticism he has received for attending this year’s awards ceremony in a female dress.
The new joint, produced by Abochi, is another groundbreaking single from the camp of DJ Azonto, who dazzles together with Lil Win, who is known for uniqueness.
The comical song would excite music lovers, with the “Father Benard” trend also included in the rhythm, which generates an exciting sound.
DJ Azonto, who was nominated as the Best New Artiste at this year’s VGMA, looks to have another great new sound that would make waves like his “Fa No Fom” hit single.
Snippers of the song have already gone viral, as the original song is expected to be released in the coming days.
Black Sherif may have won the biggest award of the night at the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA24), but he was not happy about missing out on another coveted prize.
The rapper and singer, who took home the Artiste of the Year trophy, was hoping to also bag the Album of the Year award for his debut LP, The Villain I Never Was. However, he was beaten by King Promise, who won with his sophomore album, 5 Star.
Black Sherif opened up about his disappointment in an interview with Berla Mundi on TV3’s New Day programme. He said he was expecting to hear his name when the winner was announced at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
“When they didn’t mention my name, I said: ‘Yawa!’” he revealed, making a sour face and then laughing it off.
‘Yawa’ is a Pidgin word that can mean various things, such as ‘trouble’, ‘oh my goodness!’, ‘f**k!’, ’embarrassment’ and ‘big disappointment’.
Despite his frustration, Black Sherif was gracious enough to admit that King Promise deserved the award. He also praised the other nominees in the category: Sarkodie (Jamz), Gyakie (My Diary), Kwesi Arthur (Son of Jacob) and Joe Mettle (The Kadosh).
“If I felt like the one receiving the award didn’t deserve it, then I would feel some way,” he said. “But everyone in that category deserved to win else, they wouldn’t have put their name up in the first place.”
He added that all the nominated albums were worthy contenders because “they put work in”.
Black Sherif rose to fame in 2021 with his viral songs “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon” . He is known for his unique blend of rap and singing, and his lyrics that reflect the struggles of the youth.
A Ghanaian afrobeat artist, Gregory Bortey Newman, also known as King Promise, has revealed that perseverance and hard work garnered him Album of the Year at the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
King Promise’s “5 Star” did the trick for him at the music fiesta held at the Grand Arena, Accra International Conference Center.
Nominees in the category included; Black Sherif (The Villain I Never Was), Sarkodie (Jamz), Gyakie (My Diary), Kwesi Arthur (Son of Jacob), and Joe Mettle’s (The Kadosh).
Speaking to Kwaku Nhyira-Addo on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (8 May), King Promise said: “We made amazing music for the rest of the world and Ghana. We put Ghanaian music on the map, and I’m just glad that we could do that.”
“I just kept pushing and trusting that God will work it out just how it’s supposed to be, and He did just that.
“It takes a lot of hard work, persistence and dedication. I had to sacrifice – times where I could’ve been sleeping like any regular student, I just went harder in the studio. It’s all hard work and persistence,” King Promise said.
Listen to King Promise in the attached audio clip below:
The ultimate prize
Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, better known by his stage name, Black Sherif, won the Artiste of the Year award. Black Sherif beats contenders such as Sarkodie, Camidoh, King Promise and Piesie Esther to win the ultimate prize.
The “Kwaku the Traveller” hitmaker also won the Best Music Video award, Most Popular Song of the Year and Best Hiplife Song of the Year.
His closest rival, Piesie Esther, grabbed two awards – Best Gospel Song with “Wayɛ me yie” and the Best Gospel Artiste of the Year.
Ghanaian musician, Ameradohas given credit to his close confidant, Deloris Frimpong Manso, better known as Delay, for supporting his art and pushing his 2022 single, ‘Obiaa Boa’.
“You know one thing, one woman who supported ‘Obiaa Boa’ so much is Deloris Frimpong Manso, God bless you. Thank you all so much,” he shouted.
The rapper revealed this when he gave a speech at 24th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) after he emerged winner for the ‘Best Rap Performance’ category.
Amerado won the title on his third nomination after losing it out to his colleagues in the previous years. When he took to the stage to deliver his acceptance speech, he named some legendary Ghanaian rappers for paving the way for him.
“Third time lucky, I have truly suffered for this title. This is for every rapper out there, your dreams are valid.
“Shout out to Okyeame Kwame for paving the way. Shout out to Sarkodie, Reggie Rockstone, Obrafour, Strongman, this is for you, Frimpong, King Palutta, every Kumasi rapper out there, I love you so much,” he said.
Artiste manager and CEO of Media Excel Productions, Kwesi Ernest, has counseled gospel performers on how to best present a comprehensive picture of themselves on stage in order to secure corporate sponsorship.
According to him, only a handful of gospel artistes are able to garner sponsorship as a result of their large fan base and showmanship when they hit the stage.
“Now that it is not very easy to get corporate bodies to support gospel shows, the onus lies on gospel musicians to do the needful by putting their acts together and making sure that they are attractive enough to catch the eye of sponsors.
“Artistes such as MOGmusic, Diana Hamilton, Ohemaa Mercy, Joe Mettle, Piesie Esther and a few others are doing great out there. However, more needs to be done if we want good sponsorship for gospel events” he told Graphic Showbiz.
Kwesi Ernest also appealed to corporate bodies to be welcoming when gospel musicians seek support from them for their events.
“I don’t want to mention names but I have been to some of these companies and it is boldly written at their front desk that they don’t sponsor gospel events. I would want to use this opportunity to encourage them to be welcoming. Sponsorship helps a lot, especially in these hard times,” he added.
Asked about his view on the current gospel scene, Kwesi Ernest said the sector is doing great. “I say this because it didn’t use to happen. To have three Gospel artistes in the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Artiste of the Year category is a huge deal. Now, most of the categories have a gospel artiste in there—Best Collaboration, Best Female Vocalist, Best Video, Most Popular Song, among others,” he stated.
Kwesi Ernest, who has managed a lot of artistes including Becca, Praye, Stella Seal, Francis Adjei and currently manages ACP Kofi Sarpong and Abena Ruthy, said he is confident Piesie Esther will win the Artiste of the Year at this year’s VGMA because she worked harder than all the other artistes competing for the ultimate prize.
“Some Ghanaians will not agree with me but the truth is that she deserves it.
Her works in the year under review are unmatched and she deserves it one time,” he added.
Lawrence Senyo Adiase, popularly known by his stage as DSL, has won the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA)’s Unsung Category.
The exciting news was announced on Friday, April 27, 2023, ahead of the main awards ceremony.
DSL, known for his hit song “Chow,” was one of six artists nominated in the category.
The other five nominees were Tsaqa, Ni Ashun, Aya RamzyB, Boijake, and Maya Blu.
The Unsung Category is a special category at theVGMA that gives up-and-coming artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the music industry.
The winner of this category is determined by public votes and is given a chance to perform at the VGMA main event.
DSL expressed his joy and appreciation for the support he received from his fans and the VGMA team.
In a statement, he said, “Big thanks to you all for supporting sharing and voting for me. We’ve won this now 🏆🏆 This wouldn’t be possible without your support I’m so so grateful 🙏🙏🙏. THANK YOU ALL..”
Congratulations to DSL on his well-deserved win in the Unsung Category at the 2023 VGMA.
DSL will also get the opportunity to perform on the VGMA stage at the Accra International Conference Centre on May 6, 2023.
This year, YANGO Transport Services will serve as the official ride-hailing company for the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
The partnership does not benefit only Yango and VGMAbut also the general community of riders especially music lovers.
Well known for its affordable prices, safe travels and service quality, Yango intends to give more to riders during this year’s VGMA season.
The benefits include a discount to and from the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre during the main VGMA night on May 6, luxury shuttle services for celebrities and special guests of the VGMA and give-aways of up to 50 tickets to its loyal patrons to experience this year’s event.
According to Yango Country Manager for Ghana, Tom Ofonime, in every market of its presence, Yango is looking to engage with the activities that matter.
“For us, partnering with Ghana Music Awards means supporting the spirit of the youth and the artistes who are most relevant. Just recently, it has been revealed that one of the things that people cherish most about their experience in Yango is good music during rides. Yango will help you get wherever you need to go with grace, style and good music.”
Speaking on the partnership, Head of Public Events & Communications of Charterhouse, organisers of music awards, Robert Klah said, “a great VGMA experience starts with the ride that brings you to the grounds. While we are keen on providing you an unforgettable 24th VGMA, we also care about how you get to your destination safely when the programme is over. That is where Yango comes it. We are happy for such partnerships.”
Since its launch in 2019, Yango has experienced strong growth in Ghana. For people of the country, the Yango brand has already become synonymous with fast, comfortable and safe travel.
Sarkodie is not the landlord of Ghana rap, this is according to Ghanaian artist, Eno Barony.
According to her, there is no single person who owns or lords the Ghanaianrap industry.
The reason she believes that the ascription of the ‘landlord’ title to Sarkodie is a wrong move considering that other formidable rappers like herself are still around.
In her latest rap track, Eno Barony sent a daring message toSarkodieeven after quashing the Landlord’s title.
“We living on the land with no lords. No Man’s land, Nobody be landlord.”
Sarkodie has been locally hailed as the Landlord of Ghanana rap and to a large extent the one icon of the Ghanaian music industry.
In fact, Obidi is viewed as the most popular Ghanaian artist who has a wide international audience that his music appeals.
Therefore, many believe with his body of work, relevance, impact and how long he has been around, it is not far-fetched for Sarkodie to be seen and described as the Landlord of Ghana Music.
Eno Barony disagrees.
What, many think could settle this, is for Sarkodie and Eno Barony to lock horns in a musical rap beef to ascertain who’s who.
The names of the board members who choose the nominations and winners of the prestigious music awards will not be made public, according to Robert Klah, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards‘ (VGMA) public relations officer.
In an interview with Caleb Nii Boye on 3FM, Robert Klah explained that the decision was made to protect the safety of the board members.
Klah stated that VGMA has received threats in the past, and the board members have been subjected to online harassment, which has led to concerns about their safety.
As a result, the decision was made to keep their identities confidential to avoid any potential harm.
“The thing is this we’ve had some board members who’ve had threats before so the best thing is not to share information about these people,” Robert Klah submitted
Citing the Grammy Awards as reference, the P.R.O revealed that there are over 11,000 decision makers who comprised members of the Recording Academy and most were relatively unknown.
“There are 11,000 plus people responsible for theGrammys and I don’t know if you know all of them and I don’t know if anybody is responsible for knowing all of them,” he said.
He added that the board members are a diverse group of individuals with various backgrounds and expertise in the music industry, and they take their responsibilities very seriously.
The VGMA is one of the most significant music awards events in Ghana and has been running for over two decades. The awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of musicians, producers, and other stakeholders in the music industry.
The decision to keep the identities of the board members confidential has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some people expressing concern about the lack of transparency in the awards process.
However, others have supported the decision, citing the need to protect the safety of the board members.
Klah emphasized that the VGMA remains committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in the music industry and will continue to ensure that the awards process is fair and transparent.
“At the end of the day, you need to trust the system, the VGMA has been running for X number of years and as a human institution you’ll certain have flaws and that’s fine but if it’s working and you know that majority of hwat we’ve been doing then I think that we should be able to trusr the system,” he pointed out.
The 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is scheduled to take place at the Grand Arena in Accra on the 6th of May, 2023, and broadcasted live on television via TV3.
Michael Ivan Nyagamagu better known in Showbiz circles as Chief One has expressed regret at his performance at the recently held VGMA Xperience concert in the Volta Regional capital of HO.
Speaking on “The Road to VGMA Show”, a segment of TV3 New Day, the Ghanaian Hiphop/Hiplife artiste said he was not quite happy with the time of performance and the size of the crowd
“A lot of people missed my performance because at just 9:30 I went on stage,” He noted “I will normally go on stage at 2 or 3 sometimes I perform to 6’oclock”
Chief One who has been nominated for the Best New Artiste Category at the upcoming VGMA despite his electrifying performance believes he could have offered more to his home fans.
“What I wanted to show Ghana I couldn’t show because I know what I can do and my people love me,” he lamented
Chief One’s songs WOTELEWOEA and Toyota are currently enjoying massive airplay and streams but he is not allowing it to get into his head as he plans to launch his music into the global sphere soon.
Watch Chief One’s Past Performance at the VGMA stage below
Fellow Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall musician, Ras Kuuku has put in a spirited submission for why young music sensation, Black Sherif should win the most coveted award at the upcoming Vodafone Ghana Music Awards
The Artiste of the Year, the ultimate award at the VGMA is awarded to the musician who has made the most significant impact in the music industry over the past year.
Ras Kuuku in an exclusive interview on TV3 New Day was of the view that the “Oil On My Head” singer had a higher chance of snagging the Artiste of the Year but it would be difficult for him to take the Reggae song or Reggae Artiste award because of the stiff competition in the category.
“This time we have worked hard. Everyone knows about ‘3 3 in 1’. This year is not going to anyone who is not a Reggae/Dancehall artiste,” he revealed
RasKuuku who spoke highly of Black Sherif’s success said it was due to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
“Let me tell you Black Sherif is winning the Artiste of the Year because he worked hard but when it comes to the Reggae side we [Ras Kuuku and team] worked harder,” he noted
According to RasKuuku, he was on the verge of winning at least one of the awards he’s been nominated for at the upcoming VGMA for his album “3 3 & 1 (Miensa Miensa Ne Baako)’
“For the genre, it’s Ras Kuuku who did best and you know it. It’s coming back to Puom. If not Reggae Artiste of the Year, Reggae/Dancehall song is coming to Puom”
Check out the Nominee’s list below
Best Reggae/Dancehall Song
Konkarah Jahvybz – A Go Dey (ft Kelvyn Boy) Ras Kuuku – 33in1 Epixode – Atia Black Sherif – Don’t forget me Rocky Dawuni – Never bow down (ft Blvk H3ro) Maccasio – Eyes on you (ft Stonebwoy) Audio Engineer of the Year Chops – Yaa Asantewaa (King Promise) Qube – Beginning Again (Adomaa) Perez Muzik – Hewale Lala (Perez Muzik) Supa Dups – Therapy (Stonebwoy) Possigee – Country Side (Sarkodie) Altra Nova – Far Away (Gyakie)
Ghanaian singer and songwriter, has expressed optimism in his distinctive songs and heartfelt lyrics, believing he could even take home this year’s Songwriter of the Year honour at theVodafone Ghana Music Awards.
The “Praise” singer said that his music affects listeners’ hearts and enables them to relate to and connect with one another in an interview with the hosts of New Day on TV3.
He believes that the award would be a recognition of his hard work and talent. Born Peter Famiyeh Bozah, the musician from Bogoso is resolute in his songwriting abilities and believes that the award would give him bragging rights, rather than validation of his talent.
However, he questioned Kinaata’s absence from the category and eulogized him before applauding all the nominees.
This year’s Songwriter of the Year nominees include Piese Esther with Way3 Mi Yie, Black Sherif’s OH Paradise, Hewale Lala by Perez Music, Diana Hamilton’s My Meditation, and This Far from the Staples of Ewura Abena.
Reflecting on his journey, Camidoh shared with Doreen Abanema Abayaa that “I hustled here. Coming from Afloa, this is the place that gave me the foundation that made me come out in Accra and push myself out there.”
Speaking about his music career, Camidoh expressed his satisfaction with the way things were going.
He said, “My music is fly, and we are having a good time with it. We love it, and we are just having fun with it.”
However, he also mentioned that his challenge was not getting enough sleep because he loved what he was doing.
Despite being nominated in six categories for the VGMA, Camidoh noted that he was confident about his chances of winning.
“I was nominated in six categories for the VGMA. To win, the fans need to vote, they vote. The body is saying we are fit for the plaques. The fans need to vote. I am confident about all of them,” he said.
When asked about his plans for the future, the artiste stated that he would like to collaborate with every big name in the music industry, but only when the time was right.
“I love everybody, I just want to collaborate with everybody at the right time. People with the right vibe. You know what I am saying, it’s just a step at a time. But right now, I am meeting a lot of them, and it’s just God’s blessing. Anyone that comes across the line, we will make it happen,” he stated.
Before signing out with Doreen, the ‘Sugarcane’ artiste advised aspiring musicians to believe in themselves, saying, “they should keep believing in themselves so when the time comes, the world will have no other option than to believe in you.”
As the first artiste scheduled to perform at the event, Chief One wasted no time in setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
The rapper’s unique style of blending the Ewe language with Afrobeat and Hip-hop was a hit with the crowd, who were seen swaying to the beat and singing along to his catchy lyrics.
With the talented DJ Andy Dosty’s impeccable timing and track selection, it only served to enhance Chief One’s performance, as he expertly blended in popular hits and kept the energy high throughout the night.
Chief One’s performance was a perfect blend of music and entertainment, with his on-stage antics keeping the audience engaged and enthralled.
He interacted with the crowd, encouraging them to sing and dance along, and as the night wore on, the cheers and applause only grew louder, with the crowd begging for more even after Chief One’s performance had ended.
The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Xperience Concert in Ho, held on April 15, 2023, has proved to be an electrifying event that drew thousands of music lovers out of their homes to come and witness a night of spectacular performances.
The event, which featured some of the biggest names in Ghanaian music, was hosted by media personality, Chrystal Kwame-Aryee and comedian Foster Romanus.
One of the highlights of the night was the performance by Stonebwoy, who has become a household name in the Ghanaian music industry.
The crowd went wild as he took the stage and delivered an unforgettable performance that had everyone dancing and singing along to his hit songs.
Other notable performances included those by Piesie Esther, Celestine Donkor, Medikal, Camidoh, Wendy Shay, and the Unsung Acts nominated for this year’s VGMA awards.
Each artiste brought their unique style and energy to the stage, captivating the audience and leaving them wanting more.
The crowd was particularly excited about Stonebwoy’s performance, and many fans had been looking forward to seeing him perform live for weeks.
The energy in the arena was electric as he performed hits such as “Nominate,” “Putuu,” and “Activate.”
It was not just Stonebwoy who had the crowd on their feet, but other artists such as Piesie Esther, Celestine Donkor, Medikal, Camidoh, and Wendy Shay also delivered outstanding performances that left the crowd screaming for more.
The Unsung Acts also impressed the crowd, and their talent was undeniable.
Ghanaian rapper, E.L, has revealed a point in his life things got so bad he had to start working as a food delivery guy in the States just to keep going.
According to him, things have not always been rosy, despite being one of the biggest rappers the country has produced.
The 2016 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Artiste of the Year, in a recent interview on 3Music TV, that there was a point he had to work as a food delivery guy in the US just to keep himself going.
He added that his experience in the United States taught him the importance of humility.
“Time teaches you so many valuable lessons and it changes you, especially when you go through a few things. I’ve passed through before. There was a point in time in the States I had to start doing food delivery. Yeah, it was that deep. I delivered food door to door just to keep myself going,” he disclosed in the interview.
E.L added: “I’ve actually passed through things and that stuff teaches you things like humility. So anytime I see an artist and they come to me for advice the first thing I tell them is cool down, you know see anything yet,”
E.L also added a word of advice to artists currently reigning to keep themselves grounded and humble.
MUSIGA has called on Gyedu-Blay Ambolley and Kofi Otchere-Darko (KOD) to bring a stop to their feud.
In a statement issued and signed by the union’s Acting President Bessa Simons, MUSIGA also asked music fans to stoking up the fires of the feud.
MUSIGA indicated that it believes both Ambolley and KOD “are passionate about the growth, development and preservation of highlife music.”
It also expressed belief that the awards scheme cited by both Ambolley and KOD in their fight; the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), and others “all have good intentions for the Ghanaian music industry in general, and highlife music in particular.”
Finally, MUSIGA revealed that the National Folklore Board has applied to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for Highlife music to be listed as part of Ghana’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH).
See the entire April 13 2023 statement below:
In a March 2023 interview, Ambolley asserted that the premier and flagship music awards scheme VGMAs has over the years sidelined Ghana’s indegenous music Highlife for foreign genres such as Jamaiaca’s Reggae/Dancehall.
By so doing, Ambolley argued, Highlife has been buried.
KOD, in reaction, called Ambolley’s opinion “nonsense,” arguing that the Highlife musician had failed to evolve with the times and was now blaming an awards scheme which, in his opinion, has offered great support to Highlife music and its artistes.
From here, Ambolley called KOD “shallow-minded” and KOD in turn called him “insincere” and a “charlatan.”
After years of hard work in the music industry, Ghanaian rapper, E.L, in 2016 was crowned the Artiste of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
He won big at the night as he also swept away the Hip Hop Artiste of the Year. It was a moment to celebrate however, critics and naysayers marred this glorious time of his life with claims of him buying the title.
Others asserted that he did not deserve the ultimate title as Artiste of the Year.
The negative energy from a section of the public later caused the rapper to take a break and go mute at the peak of his career.
“When I won the title they said I didn’t deserve it. They said I paid for the award and that thing pained me. I was around East Legon, I parked my car and cried. I wondered what on earth will make people say that I bought the award,” he disclosed in an interview on 3 Music TV in April 2023.
He added: “Artiste of the Year was when a lot of shit was going on. A lot of tension, you known they threw a party for me and I didn’t go. I had to be forced to attend that party…there was just a lot of tension going on so I didn’t even enjoy Artiste of the Year, I didn’t. It was a very surreal feeling like what is going on.”
E.L also narrated how the production of music suddenly became work for him instead of passion. The investment he put in his craft seems not to be paying off.
“It came to a time I would drop songs and nothing would happen. It came to a time I didn’t even have the drive to push the music as hard anymore,” he said.
The Ghanaian musical duo DopeNation, comprising Michael Boafo and Tony Boafo, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), claiming that the organisers of the event have been unfair to them.
According to the duo, the “Group of the Year” category has been eliminated from the annual event which has impacted their recognition and what they stand for as a group.
In an asaase.com report, DopeNation shared their thoughts on the issue, saying, “We are twins, we are a group; that is what we stand for. So musically, when you take that category off, you take away our recognition and what we stand for.”
It has been three years since the award scheme removed the “Group of the Year” category.
DopeNation expressed understanding towards the organisers’ decision, but also called for a review, saying, “We are sure they have tangible reasons for that, but they should also look at it from our point of view.”
The duo went on to highlight their contributions to the music industry, including producing and writing for other artists, touring, and releasing their own music.
They expressed their disappointment at having to compete with solo artists instead of being recognised as a group and compared their experience with that of being nominated as a group at award ceremonies in other countries.
“It really hurts when another country has an award scheme and they nominate us as a group and we have to fly there to represent the country as a group. Meanwhile, back in our home (Ghana), we don’t have a group category,” they said.
Organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) have heeded the petition of Ghanaians over the inclusion of popular Asakaa group member, Jay Bahd, in the Best New Artiste category of this year’s edition.
Jay Bahd was among seven budding artistes namely; Malcom Nuna, Djay, Lasmid, DJ Azonto, Chief One, and Ewura Abena who were nominated for that category.
Following the earlier announcement of nominees, a large section of netizens took to social media to protest that the ‘Anadwo’ hitmaker outweighs that particular category.
However, after thorough deliberation, the VGMAs board has considered the request of fans.
To that effect, they have released a statement that announces the necessary corrections made to the nominees’ list, and their decision to strike out Jay Bhad from that category.
“After deliberations, the board agrees that Jay Bhad 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 is not eligible as nominee for the New Best Artiste of the Year category of the 24th Vodaphone Ghana Music Awards,” parts of the statement read.
Speaking on Movement TV, she said that aside from Medikal, her song had more stream numbers and performed better than four of the nominees for the awards in the category.
According to her, she had more streams than Teephlow, Strongman Burner, Lyrical Joe and Amerado.
She said that the category awards rappers based on their stream numbers and other factors which she fitted perfectly, yet was not given the opportunity to compete with her colleagues.
Eno also recounted periods when there were more than five nominees for the category she should have been nominated for, making it possible for Charter House, the organisers of the program to include her in the award scheme.
She said she had no issue with her fellow artistes because they did well and had their songs performing quite well too. However, she deserved the nomination since her song performed better and had more streams.
Eno Barony’s interview about the VGMA nominations on Movement TV below
Ghanaian broadcaster, Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD) has expressed his disappointment with a recent statement made by veteran musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley about the current state of highlife.
Ambolley in an interview with Graphic Showbiz said that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) has vitiated the highlife music genre.
He said giving the topmost awards to artistes in other music genres in the VGMA has affected the fortunes of highlife.
He also raised concerns the quality of artistes nominated in the Best Highlife Artiste of the Year category of the awards.
“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.
In his reaction, KOD described Ambolley’s assertion as “nonsense.”
He intimated that the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards has contributed greatly to the Ghanaian music industry.
“Which awards scheme has projected our music industry like VGMA since independence? How many have projected our musicians beyond GH. How many have consistently done more than 10 years?” he wrote on his Facebook timeline.
He said Ambolley should rather lay the blame on radio stations.
“When was the last time he released an album? He should be blaming some of the radio stations who don’t even play our music.
When was the last time or how often do you hear highlife on radio? VGMA cause am?,” added.
Read KOD’s full post on Facebook below:
Such nonsense!
Which awards scheme has projected our music industry like VGMA since independence? How many have projected our musicians beyond GH. How many have consistently done more than 10 years?
Some of our musicians have failed to evolve and quick to blame others for their personal mishaps. When was the last time he released an album? He should be blaming some of the radio stations who don’t even play our music.
When was the last time or how often do you hear highlife on radio? VGMA cause am?
People should look at evolving and projecting themselves instead of pointing accusing fingers.
Ambulley should be bigger than this petty comment and should check how he discredits his fellow industry colleagues too. You’re a true celebrity. Don’t go this path Sir.
As one of our last of our greats left, this is below him.
Charterhouse, the organizers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards have announced a new date for the 2023 edition of the awards.
It was earlier suggested that the event will take place on May 13, 2023, however, in a statement released on Saturday, they confirmed that the 24th edition of music’s biggest night is expected to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre.
The event will air live across Ghana and across Africa.
The 24th VGMA is produced by Charterhouse, with media partnership from TV3, and proudly brought to you by Vodafone.
While many industry players applaud Charterhouse, organisers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), for continuously throwing the spotlight on and promoting works of artistes, veteran Highlife artiste, Gyedu Blay Ambolley has a different view.
Ambolley sees the award scheme as a contribution to the limping state of Highlife music.
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 the 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 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.
Ghanaian music star Black Sherif is hopeful he will win the prestigious Artist of The Year (AoTY) award at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
Following an impressive music year, Kwaku The Traveller hitmaker Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, professionally known as Black Sherif hopes to pick a number of awards at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
The musician who spoke exclusively to NY DJ on BTM Afrika revealed he deserved to win every category he was nominated for considering the work done in the year under review.
Asked which categories he really looked forward to winning, the musician revealed he was expectant of picking the Artist of The Year and Album of The Year awards.
He however revealed he would still be grateful to God should the unexpected happen.
“We are winning every award they nominated us for. If they don’t give it to us Alhamdulillah, if they do Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Black Sherif bagged nine (9) nominations at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. These include Best Afropop Song of the Year (Oil In My Head), Best Music Video (Konongo Zongo), Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year (Don’t Forget Me), Songwriter of the Year (Oh Paradise), Best Album (The Villain I Never Was), Most Popular Song (Kwaku The Traveller), Best HipHop Song (Kwaku The Traveller), Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste and Artist of the Year.
Kelvin Brown, also known as Kelvyn Boy, has voiced out his dissatisfaction with the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) and the selection process for award winners.
During an interview with Abeiku Santana, Kelvyn Boy said that he doesn’t trust the awards scheme.
“I don’t know. To be honest, we don’t trust them. Even the Grammys, people don’t trust them because they all hope to win,” he said.
Kelvyn Boy, however, acknowledged that there are other artists within the categories of Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste and Best Highlife Song of the Year who also have popular songs.
But he believes that if the organizers take a closer look and assess the nominees carefully, he should deservedly win the awards he is up for.
He also emphasized that everyone on the list of nominees in his category are deserving of recognition.
“I am not the only person with a popular song. There are a lot of songs that are popular, but if they take a careful look and give me the award I deserve, then they should give it to me,” Kelvyn Boy said.
Self-Acclaimed Dancehall King, Shatta Wale has explained why he does not have his body of work competing in the 24th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards scheme.
The controversial Reggae/Dancehall singer told Prince Tsegah on Hitz FM that there was no friction or “beef’ between his camp and the VGMA, hence he would expect the VGMA board to reach out to him.
“You know VGMA is my ex-girlfriend, anytime they want to come back, I am here, I don’t know why they are behaving like the beef we have, we can’t cut it,” he said.
He further explained his position by arguing that the organizers should contact him in a nice approach to discuss the nominations.
“I feel because they are the ones organizing stuff like this, 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 nominations and we have a team,” he stated.
Recall that the ‘Taking Over’ singer was banned from the VGMA along with his archrival, Stonebwoy by the board in 2019 for their violent clash that marred the 20th anniversary of the event.
However, the two-year ban was lifted in 2021, allowing Stonebwoy to participate in the subsequent edition but Shatta Wale has failed to make his submissions due to certain reasons he outlined in his latest interview
“Because you know I am doing a whole lot of things you know in terms of music and business and stuff that I am doing, so they should also find somebody, a person from their office, and say oh Shatta are you interested to join this time because we want you to come on board and it is beautiful,” he pointed out.
He also took the opportunity to call for unity between the scheme’s organizers and other stakeholders.
“Sometimes we have to understand that, together we stand, divided we fall, so basically let’s just understand that things happen, I don’t have VGMA at heart I don’t have any enemy at VGMA, the Charter House company, I don’t have anybody there, it’s just that things happen and we just move on, how many times have we not fought,” he concluded.
The 24th VGMAs will air live on May 13 from the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
Although he is looking forward to winning some slots at the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, Kelvynboy seems more enthused about performing at the award ceremony.
According to him, he rather loves to perform at the award events than win awards.
“Me, I like performing at awards than receiving awards. I like performing because e dey pay,” he said while responding to his chances of winning an award at this year’s VGMAs on Hitz FM’s ‘Daybreak Hitz’.
The Down Flat singer performed at the 2022 VGMA Xperience Concert in Koforidua and the VGMA Industry Awards in Accra. He has also been featured on award stages like Ghana Music Awards UK and 3Music Awards.
In the meantime, he is hopeful of winning at least the Afrobeats Artiste category. He said as someone who in the past championed the Afrobeats agenda, he will be happy to pick up that award.
“Ebe me force dem make dem put that category. Ebe here norr wey we talk am say that category no dey wona award scheme, dem for put am. Wey I force saaa ebe like dem no hear am but dem put am,” he said in Pidgin English.
Kelvynboy has been nominated in the Most Popular Song of the Year, Afrobeats Song of the Year and Highlife Song of the Year categories of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
He won the Afrobeats Artiste of the Year award at the Ghana Music Awards UK.
Ghanaian musician, Rocky Dawuni, has spoken about his perspective on awards and recognition within the music industry.
In a Graphic Showbiz report, Rocky underlined that he does not view any accolades, especially those given by the VGMA (Vodafone Ghana Music Awards), as a competition but rather as a celebration of the talent and labour of artists.
“Awards are not competition for me, including that of VGMA. It is a recognition of the works that artistes have created and an opportunity to honour and celebrate each one’s creativity.
“It is always a good feeling for me to stand alongside my friends and brothers. That is why I don’t regard the VGMA as competition,” he said.
The Jerusalem artiste also expressed gratitude for his recent nomination at the VGMA and acknowledged his fellow nominees as strong contenders.
Reflecting on his career in music, Dawuni noted that the past year has been particularly fulfilling, with his third Grammy nomination for the song “Neva Bow Down” and a host of concerts around the world.
He believes that his work has not only contributed to enhancing his personal profile but also increased the presence of Ghanaian music around the world.
“Of course, they are very strong contenders, but I’m certain there is no better time than now to have this nomination. That is why I am always filled with gratitude for all my blessings.
“The year under review has been amazing for me as a musician, with my third Grammy nomination for the song Neva Bow Down, and playing a host of concerts around the world. It has contributed to enhancing my personal profile and shooting up the presence of Ghanaian music around the world in many ways,” he told Graphic Showbiz.
Aside from his music career, Rocky Dawuni is also known for his humanitarian work with the United Nations, where he serves as the Regional UN Goodwill Ambassador.
His music often reflects his passion for social justice and positive change, with songs like “In Ghana,” “Jammin Nation,” “Jerusalem” and “Akwaaba” addressing issues such as inequality and unity.
Dancehall musician, Shatta Wale, has established that until the board and organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) take the first step in making amends, he will not be a part of any of their initiatives.
After the 2-year-old ban placed on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy following their brawl at the 2019 VGMAs was lifted, Shatta has not been a part of the event as he announced he had boycotted the award scheme.
Stonebwoy, on the other hand, had been nominated for consequent editions and even won the Reggae Dancehall song of the Year at the 23rd VGMAs after he showed interest in the scheme.
Shatta insists that he will only participate in the awards scheme only if he and the organizers reach a consensus.
His comments are in reaction to his absence from the 2024 VGMAs nominees list which has since stirred conversations on social media.
Describing the VGMAs as his ex-girlfriend, Shatta said the board should have a nicer approach so they can negotiate and come to agreeable terms for him to join.
“VGMA is my ex-girlfriend, anytime they want to come back I am here. I feel because they are the ones organizing this and there should be a nice approach. They should also find someone from the office to come and invite me to come on board and it will be beautiful. We should take this like that…we have to understand that united we stand divided we fall,” he stated in an interview with Hitz FM.
The Dancehall artiste emphasized that he doesn’t regard the scheme as an enemy, and as such, he believes that both parties can create something magical when his proposed steps are considered.
“I don’t have VGMA at heart and I don’t have any enemy there. It’s just that things happen and we move on. We have to understand that united we stand divided we fall,” he said.
Ghanaian hip hop musician, Medikal, is rooting for Black Sherif ahead of the 24th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
Black Sherif has been nominated for many categories. However, all but one has caught the eye of many, especially Medikal.
Black Sherif is competing against Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, King Promise, Camidoh, Kidi, Piesie Esther and Joe Mettle for the Artiste of the Year award.
According to Medikal born Samuel Adu Frimpong, he wishes the award goes to Black Sherif, whom he says has been phenomenal.
Speaking on Tv3, he said “I saw that he (Black Sherif) has been nominated for artiste of the year. I’d be so happy if he wins.”
“Black Sherif should keep doing his thing. I pray he wins the Artiste of the Year award,” Medikal added.
Lynx Entertainment signer, KiDi won the Artiste of the Year at the 2022 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. He beat stiff competition from Black Sherif, King Promise, Kuami Eugene, Sarkodie and Joe Mettle to emerge winner.
Charterhouse, organisers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) have unveiled nominees for the 24th edition with Shatta Wale once again missing out.
Music lovers have called for the inclusion of Shatta Wale in VGMA following years of absence in the award schemes.
It would be recalled that Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy were banned by VGMAs board as a result of their scuffle on stage back in 2019. The ban was however lifted in 2022.
Stonebwoy showed interest and was welcomed back, however, Shatta Wale announced in a Facebook post his decision to exclude himself from the awards scheme with his then-manager, Bullgod, citing the constant disrespect from organizers as the root cause.
Shatta vowed never to partake in VGMA and has stuck to his decision despite calls by fans to settle his differences with the board.
Many say he is deserving of the Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste title for his works and ability to release hit songs all year round.
“Upon sober reflections of events in recent times and having made broader consultations, I wish to announce that I will not be part of the Ghana Music Awards scheme going forward. God bless!” Shatta declared in his Facebook post when he officially parted ways with the VGMAs.
The leader of the Shatta Movement had the backing of his former manager when he boycotted the event.
“Shatta Wale will not attend the VGMA until VGMA come to apologize to him. They have consistently disrespected Shatta. If he decides to join the scheme again, I will concentrate on farming that will mean my journey with him will come to an end.
“He has been always overlooking the disrespect to support the culture but it won’t happen again until they apologize. They kept us in jail for a day for doing nothing, it’s sad and disrespectful,” Bulldog said at the time.
In 2023, Robert Klah, the Public Relations Officer of Charterhouse, organizers of VGMA disclosed in an interview on Hitz FM that Stonebwoy showed interest, the reason they were able to work with him.
“The scheme is in such a way that you need to be able to show interest, to be a part of the scheme, once you show interest, we will work with you. The interest can be in the form that you are filing or giving consent. So, Stonebwoy showed interest and we worked with him,” Klah explained.
The 24th VGMA comes off on May 13, 2023. Eight deserving artistes, Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, King Promise, Camidoh, KiDi, Piesie Esther and Joe Mettle are competing for the ultimate title as the ‘Artiste of the Year’. Check out the posts below:
Several categories have been announced since the show aired early on Saturday morning on TV3 and Youtube.
Organizers will continue to announce more categories every hour until 9:00 pm when it makes the final announcement for the Big 5 Categories; Best New Artiste, Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year, and Artiste of the Year.
Ahead of this year’s ceremony, airing live on May 13 from the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), 3News can exclusively announce the nominees for Best Gospel Song, Best Hi-life Song, Best Hip-life Song, Best Afrobeats Song and many more.
Friday Night, Stubborn Academy, Anadwo, Abonten, Grace, Ewiase By Kweku Flick will compete for the highly coveted spot as Best Hip-life song.
Atia by Epixode ft Kwabena Kwabena, My Proposal by AK Songstress, Adi dede by Adina, Adom by Kwesi Arthur, Kelvyn Boy’s Down Flat and Have Mercy from the stables of Kofi Kinaata will also fight it out for Best Hi-life song
Best Gospel song will be awarded to one of the following nominees: Final Say – Celestine Donkor, Waye me yie – Piesie Esther, My Meditation – Diana Hamilton, Kadosh – Joe Mettle, Hewale Lala – Perez Muzik, Tegbe Tegbe – Bethel Revival choir ft Edwin Dadson, This Far – Ewura Abena and Mala – MOG music.
It will be a battle between a veteran and a new kid on the block as Sarkodie and Black Sherif have been nominated for this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) in the category of Best Hip Hop Song of the Year.
The nominees list for the Best Hip Hop Song was released on Saturday, March 18.
Black Sherif’s Kweku The Traveller, released in 2022, is among works that propelled the young rapper to the music scene.
Tipped to win the category, Black Sherif’s song will face stiff competition from Sarkodie’s Country Side, Amerado’s Obiaa Boa, Kwesi Arthur’s Drama, Medikal’s Scarface and Malcolm Nuna’s Benzo.
The 24th VGMAs will be held on Saturday, May 13 at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
