Ghana Music Awards launched
Following the call last week by the organisers of the Ghana Music Awards, Charter House, for entries, debate has already began as to which artistes are deserving of awards this year.
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Considering that the Music Awards have always been characterised by controversies, the organisers, Charter House interacted with the media last Thursday to discuss misunderstandings and misconceptions associated with the awards.
The organisers believe this will help in coming up with an award scheme that is representative of the opinion of the general public as well as Industry professionals.
Unlike previous editions, this year’s event will take on an interesting pre-event twist with a road show from Accra to Tamale during which a number of jams involving nominees will take place along the route. This is to enable music lovers along the route get the opportunity to have a feel of good Ghanaian music and also meet some of their favourite artistes.
Mrs. Theresa Ayoade, Executive Director of Charter House, said this year’s event which is on the theme; “Music Everywhere” is to appreciate how the music industry has grown over the years to become the hottest “commodity” in demand in recent years.
She said that the GMA has become the barometer by which Ghanaian musicians measure their success each year and has undoubtedly served as an inspiration to the industry since its inception fifteen years ago.
There are 30 award categories split between 15 public vote awards and 15 industry vote awards.
The public vote awards comprise Artiste of the Year, Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste of the Year, Highlife Artiste of the Year, Gospel Artiste of theYear, New Artiste of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best African Artiste and Hiplife artiste of the Year.
The rest are Highlife Song of the Year, Most Popular Song of the Year, Afro Pop Song of the Year, Hip hop Song of the Year, Gospel Song of the Year, Reggae Song of the Year and Best Group of the Year.
The Industry Awards categories are Album of the year, Best Male Vocal Artiste of the Year, Best Female Vocal Artiste of the Year, Music Video of the Year, Best Rapper of the Year and Song Writer of the Year.
Others are Music Producer of the Year, Sound Engineer of the Year, Traditional Artiste of the Year, Record of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Gospel Album of the Year, Music for Development and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other activities lined up prior to the awards night are a Nominees Unveiling Party, a forum, a major nominees jam, Academy Voting and Industry Awards Night. The main Awards night is expected to be held in May.
