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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Rhythms On Da Runway returns November 28 with 16th edition themed ‘Unbound’

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Ghana’s biggest fashion and music showcase, Rhythms on Da Runway (RODR), will return on November 28, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre for its 16th edition.

Described by the BBC as “the biggest cultural exposé in Africa,” this year’s event is themed ‘UNBOUND’; a celebration of fashion, music and individual expression without limits.

According to organizers, the idea behind ‘Unbound’ – Because You’ve Got Style is simple: “if fashion is made for everyone, everyone should be able to see themselves in it.”

For years, the statement noted, fashion has been shaped by narrow ideas of who belongs on the runway, with certain body types, ages and abilities placed at the center while many others are left out. UNBOUND seeks to open that picture.

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This year’s runway will welcome people with different abilities, backgrounds, body types and personal stories, influencing model casting, the collections, the stories told through clothes and the way guests experience the event.

Beyond the runway, UNBOUND will create room for young people to learn from established designers, gain practical experience and explore careers within fashion and the wider creative industry. It will also open conversations around adaptive fashion, accessible event design, talent discovery, mentorship and employment.

Organizers say the theme also presents opportunities for sponsors, development organizations and donors to support disability inclusion, youth training, creative enterprise and accessible experiences, helping new talent enter the industry and creating practical pathways into Africa’s growing Orange Economy.

The night will bring together a formidable lineup of fashion designers and music stars from Ghana and across the African diaspora, with strong collections, live performances and an all-star cast of celebrity models.

The evening will also feature the Black Star Awards, a celebration of public figures shaping Africa’s future through bold leadership, transformative development and contributions to the continent’s Orange Economy.

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Participating designers, artists, award recipients and other event details will be announced in the coming weeks.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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Ohemaa Mercy’s Tehillah Experience outfit was priestly regalia, not costume – Management clarifies

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The management of renowned gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy has officially addressed public commentary surrounding her ceremonial outfit at the just-ended Tehillah Experience 2026.

The 13th edition of the annual worship concert, themed The Altar of Fire, was held at the Oil Dome, Royalhouse Chapel last Sunday and drew thousands of worshippers. Following the event, discussions on social media focused heavily on the distinctive costume worn by the host to lead worship.

In an official statement titled “The Message Behind The Mantle: Decoding Ohemaa Mercy’s Altar Entry at Tehillah Experience 2026,” management explained that the outfit was deeply symbolic and biblically inspired.

“At this year’s Tehillah Experience, Ohemaa Mercy did not simply mount the stage, she made an altar entry. Long before she lifted the microphone, her attire had already delivered a sermon,” the statement noted.

Management broke down the attire into four key elements:

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The Cap, representing the Priestly Mitre, mirrors the Miznefet worn by the High Priest as instructed in Exodus 28:36-38, which bears the inscription “Holiness to the Lord.”

According to the team, it was not a fashion statement but a declaration of priesthood, referencing Leviticus 6:13. The cap also symbolises covering and submission to divine authority.

The Cross carried ahead with white linen was described as the heart of the Christian faith, signifying that Christ went ahead and that access to the altar is by His righteousness and resurrection, not human strength.

Citing John 19:17, Galatians 2:20 and Colossians 1:20, management said the cross had to go first to make peace for God’s presence to enter.

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The Garment of white, gold and crimson reflects three biblical truths: white for purity and consecration (Revelation 19:8), gold for glory and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), and crimson for sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

The Entry itself, management added, was an intentional procession likened to Esther approaching the royal courts (Esther 5:1-2) and the priest entering the Holy Place. With horns sounding and intercessory prayers, it mirrored 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, when the glory of the Lord filled the temple.

“On that night, the Oil Dome ceased to be an auditorium of fans awaiting a concert. It became a tabernacle. And her entry was a prophetic reminder that God still answers by fire when the altar is kept burning,” the statement said.

Management concluded that what was worn was not a costume but “Priestly Regalia for an Altar Assignment” and thanked all who attended and supported the mandate.

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By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

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