Entertainment
VGMA Nominations:The contest, surprises and disappointments
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It is the time of the year where musicians and others involved in music production in the country who have excelled in their craft within the year under review, are acknowledged.
In line with this, the oldest music award scheme in the country, Vodafone Ghana Music Award, VGMA last Saturday unveiled nominees vying for the ultimate in various categories.
According toTheresa Ayoade, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Charterhouse Productions, They received over thousand entries, and together with experts in various music genres, they settled for the finalists.
Some of the new additions to the categories are, Extended Play (EP) of the Year, Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste of the Yearand the erstwhile Best Rapper of the Year category is now known as Best Rap Performance of the Year.
Interestingly, Adina received 10 nominations, making her the first female artiste with the highest nomination.
As part of this year’s event, there would be two digital music seminars and three nominees jams with other interesting activities ahead of the main Awards night slated for June 12, 2021, at the Grand Arena in Accra.
The observations by some music lovers was not different from the reactions which has accompanied the scheme for the last 22 years since its inception.
There are some categories with keen contest which, according to many, would be difficult to stick one’s neck out for a musician, others have also expressed surprise and disappointment at some names which made it to other categories and other artistes who did not get any nominations.
It would not be an easy battle in the contest for the ruler of Ghana music being, the Artiste of the Year, as Kuame Eugene, the title holder squares it off with Sarkodie, KiDi, Adina, Diana Hamilton and Medikal.
The Gospel Artiste of the Year, would as well be a tough competition between Eric Jeshrun, Joe Mettle, Akesse Brempong, Diana Hamilton,MOG Music, Empress Gifty Adorye and Celestine Donkor
The Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year has songs like Ataa Adwoa – Bosom PYung, Adom – Diana Hamilton, No Dulling – Keche, Enjoyment – KiDi, Sisa – King Promise, Ekorso – Kofi Jamar, Open Gate – Kuami Eugene, La Hustle Remix – Medikal, Happy Day – Sarkodie, Sore – Yaw Tog, Say Cheese – KiDi and Inna Song – Darkovibes.
The Raggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year, would be a difficult contest as reigning champion, Ras Kuuku, comes face-to-face with Samini, Laruso, Epixode and Kaphun.
Interestingly, songs like Posti Me by Akwaboah will be competing with Playboy from Dada Hafco ft. Akwaboah, KiDi’s Enjoyment, Behind The Scenes by Kofi Kinaata, Kuami Eugene’s Open Gate, Asabone byLord Paper ft. Bosom P-Yung, Later from Mr Drew ft. Kelvyn Boy and Sista Afia’s Partyin the Highlife Song of the Year.
The battle of the Best Group of the Year will be between, Bethel Revival Choir, DopeNation, Dead Peepol and Keche.
Burna Boy, Davido , Wizkid, Master KG, Fireboy DML and Omah Lay will compete for the Best African Artiste.
Another tough battle is the Producer of the Year whose magic wand gave Ghanaians an irresistible song last year, as Chris Rich Beats, Yung Demz, Street Beatz, Richie Mensah, MOG Beatz and Willis Beatz prove their mettle for the crown this time round.
VGMA Unsung Act will see budding talents like Oseikrom Sikani,
Malcolm Nuna, Kwame Yogot, Kobby Tuesday, Naana Blu, Adelaide The Seer, Queendalyn and Nanky square it off for the ruler of the new school.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
It was a night of intellect, eloquence and culture as contestants of the 2026 Miss Tourism Ghana took centre stage at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel for the Debate and Culture Night last Saturday.
The event, which forms part of activities leading up to the grand finale, saw the ladies move beyond beauty to battle with ideas, facts and opinions on a topic critical to the tourism industry.
The contestants debated the topic: The Importance of Traditional and Digital Media on Promotion of Tourism.
For the debate, the contestants were grouped into two teams of four, each tasked with defending a side of the argument.
It was a fierce but respectful exchange. The team arguing for traditional media described it as the trust builder, emphasising its credibility, mass reach, and its power to tell in-depth, emotional stories through television documentaries, radio and newspaper features.
They argued that traditional media still shapes public opinion and influences policy decisions in the tourism sector.
On the other side, the proponents of digital media raised salient points about its unmatched advantages in the modern era.
They highlighted its global reach at low cost, its two-way interaction that allows tourists to share real experiences and reviews, its ability to target specific audiences, and its measurable results where clicks, views and bookings can be tracked.
After heated arguments and rebuttals, both teams arrived at a powerful consensus that drew applause from the audience.
They concluded that without traditional media, tourism promotion lacks credibility and depth, and without digital media, it lacks reach, engagement and sales.
The judges and patrons agreed that the debate underscored a crucial lesson for Ghana’s tourism drive: for a country blessed with rich cultural heritage, colourful festivals, historic forts and castles, diverse wildlife and pristine beaches, the winning formula lies in combining the storytelling power of traditional media with the viral power of digital media to attract both domestic and international tourists.
The night was not only about debate, as the contestants also dazzled in cultural wear, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Ghanaian culture.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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Veteran Ghanaian Actress Grace Nortey has reportedly passed away on Wednesday August 26, 2026.
According to reports she passed away at University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) at age 89.
Born in 1937, she embarked on her acting journey in 1970, establishing herself as one of the pioneers of theatre and drama in Ghana.
Over four decades, Grace Nortey has been a consistent source of joy for Ghanaian TV audiences through her acting prowess.
A distinctive feature of Grace Nortey’s performances was her adept incorporation of the Ga language into her roles, adding an authentic touch to her portrayals.
Her acting journey kicked off with the 1985 release, “Nana Akoto,” and she went on to contribute to notable films such as “Sinking Sands,” “The Other Side of the Rich,” “Ties that Bind,” and “Beasts of No Nation,” where she shared the screen with Idris Elba, Fred Amugi, and Ama K. Abebrese.
She earned the Best Cameo Actress at the 2011 Ghana Movie Awards.
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You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
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