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
Ghanaian musician Ezecheal Kwasi Asimeng Frimpong, popularly known as Ancienth has released a new Palmwine single titled ‘Asukese Abena’.
The song is a celebration of love, culture, and the timeless wisdom embedded in Ghana’s traditional way of life.
According to him, the project is meant to remind people that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past.
“Through this project, I want people to understand that Palmwine music is not a relic of the past, it is a living heritage that still speaks powerfully to the present,” he said.
Ancienth traces his journey in Palmwine music to the pioneering work of Kwame Asare, also known as Jacob Sam, and the Kumasi Trio. He credits them with laying the foundation for one of Ghana’s most important musical traditions, a path that later generations continue to walk.
“I entered this space because I believe every nation must protect its cultural voice,” Ancienth explained, adding that “Palmwine music carries our stories, values, humour, history, and identity. Preserving it is not only a musical responsibility but also a cultural one.”
The musician described the journey as rewarding but challenging, noting that traditional music often receives less attention and investment compared to mainstream genres.
To strengthen the space, he is calling for greater support from the media, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and the public.
“My appeal to Ghanaians is simple, support indigenous music, because when a people lose their cultural sound, they gradually lose part of their identity,” he added.
As a torchbearer of Palmwine Music, Ancienth says his mission is to honour the legacy of the pioneers while introducing Palmwine music to new generations and audiences across the world.
Asukese Abena is now available on all digital platforms, including YouTube
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has expressed profound sorrow over the death of celebrated visual artist and Guinness World Record holder Sharon Dede Padi, popularly known as Padiki.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Authority said Padiki’s passing was a painful loss to Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors, as well as the nation at large.
“Padiki was more than a Guinness World Record holder. She was a beacon of resilience, determination, creativity, and youthful excellence whose remarkable achievement brought pride not only to herself and her family but also to Ghana,” the statement said.
It added that through her determination to dream big and push boundaries, she inspired countless young people to believe that passion, perseverance and hard work could make the impossible possible.
The Authority said Ghana had lost “one of its brightest ambassadors whose story embodied the spirit of innovation, excellence, and the boundless potential of our people”.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, together with the management and staff of the GTA, extended condolences to Padiki’s family, friends and loved ones, as well as all those inspired by her journey.
