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 rapper Medikal has advised musicians to focus on building financial security rather than relying mainly on awards, shows and public recognition.
According to him, the difficult situations some senior musicians face after years in the industry should serve as a lesson to younger artistes.
Medikal made the comments on TikTok while sharing his thoughts on an interview involving veteran Ghanaian musician DJ Barosky, whom he claimed is currently homeless in the United Kingdom.
He expressed surprise at the situation, noting that he grew up listening to and admiring some of the senior musicians who influenced his generation.
“Bro, right now, social media, I know if you tell which one be real or what be fake,” Medikal stated, questioning the reality of what people see online.
He argued that musicians should make money and put proper financial plans in place while they are active in the industry.
“If you be artist for this country, you for make money, collect money, put certain things in place,” he said.
Medikal stressed that awards and performances were important but should not replace financial planning.
He encouraged artistes to be careful with their relationships and to understand that the entertainment industry is largely driven by money.
According to him, even friendships can change when a person’s financial circumstances change.
He therefore urged musicians not to become discouraged by financial losses but to remain focused on creating wealth.
“Make money. If you lose money, still collect money,” he advised.
Medikal said the experiences of older artistes should encourage current musicians to take their finances seriously and prepare for life beyond their peak years in the entertainment industry.
By: Jacob Aggrey
It was a night of colour, culture and creativity as Miss Tourism Ghana successfully held its Regional Costume & Talent Night in Accra.
The event drew fashion lovers, culture enthusiasts, and proud supporters who came out to witness Ghana’s beauty queens represent their regions on one grand stage.
From the moment guests stepped in, the atmosphere was electric, ushering,
Okra, Zabe, Gina, Akpe, Sela, Afia,Asher and Ajua into the auditorium to mesmerize patrons.
The blistering night, commenced with a breathtaking regional costumes rocked by contestants that told stories of Ghana’s traditions from, african print, kente, smock, batakari, beads and other indigenous fabrics.
Each outfit with beautiful local accessories to match was paired with confidence, poise, and pride.
The night then shifted gears into the talent segment. The audience was treated to powerful performances traditional dance, spoken word, fashion, singing, and drama all centered on promoting Ghana’s tourism and heritage.
The judges were stunned with the various displays and passed favorable commentaries encouraging the contestants to keep giving their all.
Patrons left with unforgettable moments, and the contestants delivered to their expectations.
Organisers of Miss Tourism Ghana congratulated all the amazing participants who took part and urged them to forged ahead strongly before the grand final.
They also, encouraged families and friends to keep their favourite in the competition through their campaigns and votes.
The search for Ghana’s next tourism ambassador is officially on, and the competition is getting tighter with each stage.
Beyond the glamour, Miss Tourism Ghana continues to use the platform to market Ghana’s tourist sites, culture and hospitality to the world.
The Regional Costume & Talent Night served as both entertainment and education, reminding Ghanaians of the beauty in our diversity.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
