VGMAs: Controversial Tonga, Adult Musik appear as nominees
Despite considerable noises from some members of the general public and the media, Graphic Showbiz included, to keep some songs from being nominated in the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) 2014 because of their risque content, Joey B’s Tonga and Kwabena Kwabena’s Adult Musik made it in the top ranks.
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At the grand launch of the VGMA held at the Golden Tulip hotel in Accra which attracted the crème de la crème of the Ghana music Industry, not only did Kwabena Kwabena’s controversial Adult Musik earn him seven nominations but Joey B also found his Tonga receiving multiple nominations and himself among the nominees for Hiplife-Hiphop Artiste of the Year.
The public votes nomination categories included Artiste of the Year, Vodafone Song of the Year, Highlife song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Highlife Artiste of the Year, Best Male Vocal and Song Writer of the Year.
Sarkodie topped the nominations for the third time running with eight nominations just as Guru. Other multiple nominees include Joyce Blessing, Bisa Kdei, Castro, R2bees and Sonnie Badu.
Shatta Wale had five nominations for Artiste of the Year, Song of the Year, Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year, Producer of the Year and Best Collaboration with Pope Skinny’s Hot Cake.
The invitation-only show kicked off behind schedule with music and poetry. Then there was the OBY band who served patrons with a fresh meal of live performances. There were also performances by Cwesi Oteng Noella and Bisa Kdei.
The quest for most Ghanaian artistes to infiltrate other people’s style of music was addressed by Deputy Minister for Tourism, Madam Dzifa Gomashie, Culture and Creative Arts during her presentation.
According to her, the economic viability of the music industry cannot be underestimated but said that she was concerned about the trend among new artistes to make Ghanaian music a “carbon copy”of other people’s work of art which doesn’t reflect our culture.
She therefore called on the youth to compose music that “have the elderly in mind “to ensure continuity in change in the face of the dynamism of culture.
President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Bice Osei Kufour aka Obour pledged MUSIGA’s unflinching support for the VGMA.
He announced that the Union will support the awards by rewarding the winner of New Artiste of the Year with a car unlike last year which was given to R2Bees for winning the Artiste of the Year.
Activities lined up before the main awards night which will come off on Saturday, May 3 are VGMA Nominees Jam which will come off on April 12 at Ho and then the Industry Awards Night schedule for Saturday, April 26 at Alisa Hotel.