After 16 editions of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) it seems the tradition remains and at least, no artiste has been crowned the Artiste of the Year back to back.
Last Saturday, EL joined the prestigious list as he was crowned the Artiste of the Year at the 17th edition, beating the strong challenge from such heavyweights as Bisa Kdei, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy.
With such great expectation for most fans going the way of Kdei, EL’s coronation gave his absolute satisfaction, but one of disappointment from particularly, fans of Kdei, who strongly felt he deserved it better, having earlier picked two huge awards.
As the various categories of awards were announced, it was obvious that the showdown was a direct fight between EL and Kdei, as they had both won four awards each, but with the latter Mansa winning the fans’ Most Popular Song and Album of the Year with his Breakthrough, it followed reason that he be crowned the best on the night.
However, it was EL that won the bragging rights with the awardee, having earlier received the awards for best Music Producer, Best Music Video, Afro Pop Song and Hiplife, Hiphop Song of the Year. Sarkodie had three awards, VVIP and Kofi Kinata both had two each.
The VGMA could not have been without the element of surprise that usually came with it and on the night, MzVee went home with the award for the Best Female Vocalist, beating Irene Logan, Efya, Nana Yaa and Yaa Yaa, who until then were tipped as the favourites.
It was a night planned to be full of fun and timeliness and the performances from some of Ghana’s best musicians at the moment pointed to that.
Efya, Kofi Kinaata, Bisa Kdei, Stonebwoy, Joe Mettle, R 2Bees and E L who all performed dished out very impressive songs. It was Stoneboy’s Mighty Lele, Baafira and Go Higher, which had almost everyone on their feet dancing and singing alongside with him.
Backed by the Patch Bay band, Kofi Kinaata was on point throughout his performance. There was no dull moment when he mounted the stage to perform. He entertained the audience with songs like Susuka and Sweetie Pie.
There came songstress Efya, who performed just a song Obianuju; she received all the applause because she rocked on the night. Joe Mettle with his entourage had a great time on stage.
Having received a backlash in the past for some organisational lapses, the organisers, Chaterhouse, were determined to pull this one through without much criticism and what a good show it ended up being!
It started on time, right on the advertised 8:30 p.m. and exactly within four hours it was over! Again, all the artistes performed to live band music, making the show lively as the apt stage set-up and quality sound added to the exciting feeling. The only minus on the night, perhaps, was the lightening which was overdone and thus affected a clear view of artistes on stage. Another thing the organisers may have to consider in subsequent editions, will be the overselling of tickets as the auditrium was overcrowded.
Also, it was heartwarming to see that the stage was not overcrowded when a winner was called to receive his award as it happened in the past. Naa Ashokor Mensah-Doku almost stole the show as a first-time MC, impressing with an almost flawless delivery, compering with the experienced Chris Attoh.
Winners
Song of the Year – Mansa by Bisa K’Dei
Record of the Year – Bra by Sarkodie featuring Pat Thomas
Best New Artiste – Kofi Kinaata
Collaboration of the Year – Skolom by VVIP featuring Sena Dagadu
Group of the Year – VVIP
Producer of the Year – EL for Minna Bo Po
Music Video of the Year – Shelele by EL
Female Vocalist of the Year – MzVee
Make Vocalist of the Year – Pat Thomas
Highlife Artiste of the Year – Bisa K’Dei
Gospel Artiste of the Year – Kofi Sarpong
Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Stonebwoy
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year – EL
Afro-Pop Song of the Year – Minaa Bo Po by EL
Highlife Song of the Year – Yewo Krom by Atom
Hip-Hop Song of the Year – Hand To Mouth by Sarkodie
Gospel Song of the Year – Aposor by Nicholas Omane Acheampong
Lifetime Achievement Award – A.B Crentsil
Peace Song of the Year – New Generation by Gospel Ministers
African Artiste of the Year – Wizkid.
