Entertainment
VGMA23 nominations: The excitements, surprises and contests
It is the time of the year when musicians who have excelled in the year under review stay glued to look out for how their works were considered by organisers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
For this reason, the organisers of the scheme after months of assessing and analysing inputs received, have released list of nominations for this year’s awards.
Like every year, this year’s list did not come without surprises, excitements, and keen contests.
Whereas some feel they deserve every slot in the nominations, others and their fans also feel their works were not unduly ignored and dissappointed.
In the Artiste of the Year category, it would be a tough contest for Ghana’s decorated rapper, Sarkodie, former Artiste of the Year, Kuami Eugene, ladies favourite, KiDi, sensational Black Sherif and one of Ghana’s best exports, King Promise and gospel dynamo, Joe Mettle.
The Vodafone Most Popular song of the Year would be a fierce battle among, King Promise – Slow Down, Ohemaa Mercy ft MoG Music – Ote Me Mu, Okyeame Kwame ft Kuami Eugene – Yeeko, Gyakie ft Omah Lay – Forever Remix, Darkovibes ft Davido – Je M’appelle, KiDi – Touch It, Black Sherif – Second Sermon (2nd), Kuami Eugene – Dollar On You, Joe Mettle – Ye Obuame, Fameye – Praise, Sefa – EChoke, and Mr. Drew – Mood.
Gospel Artiste of the year competition has Empress Gifty, Ohemaa Mercy, Joe Mettle, Celestine Donkor, Obaapa Christy, Diana Hamilton, Akese Brempong and MOG Music slugging it out.
It would be a huge contestin search of the one who rhythmically crafts messages with precision and dexterity, thus, the Best Rap Performance category has Lyrical Joe – 5Th August, Strongman – Last Verse, Obibini – Wudini, Teephlow – WonteAse3, Sarkodie – Rollies And Cigars and Amerado – The Throne ‘lock horns’
New Artiste of the Year will see the Echoke hit maker, Sefa, prove her mettle against, Black Sherif, Scott Evans, Mona 4 Reall, Kweku Darlington and Kwame Yogot
For the Album of the Year, it is a straight contest among, Album Of The Sarkodie – No Pressure, KiDi –The Golden Boy, Joe Mettle – Experience, Akwaboah – Lighthouse, D Black – Loyalty, and Kuami Eugene – The Afro Highlife.
There are other categories like, Song Writer of the Year, Best Reggae / Dancehall Artiste, Record Of The Year, Best Video of the Year, Collaboration of the Year, Best Video, and Afrobeats/Afropop Artiste among others.
Clearly, the indication in various categories shows that winning the ultimate would not be on a silver platter, one would have to work hard to merit the crown.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) has officially recognized a select group of distinguished individuals as Life Patrons during a special announcement.
The Life Patron recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of Ghanaian music, both in the United States and globally, says Mr Emmanuel Kusi Mensah (Capito), the COO of the awards scheme.
According to the GMA-USA organizers, Life Patrons are more than supporters—they are visionaries and cultural ambassadors who have invested their time, resources, expertise, and networks to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.
Their efforts have helped position the GMA-USA as a premier event in the diaspora, connecting artists, fans, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of GMA-USA Mr Dennis Boafo (Don D), expressed his profound gratitude: “Our Life Patrons are the backbone of this awards scheme. Their passion for music and culture is truly inspiring, and their contributions ensure the continued growth and relevance of Ghanaian music internationally.”
The newly inducted Life Patrons will be celebrated throughout the year, with special features and profiles highlighting their impact.
The GMA-USA team has encouraged the public and the music community to join in honoring these champions, whose legacy will inspire future generations of Ghanaian artists and music lovers.
Below are our Life Patrons:
Ing. Isaac Ampem Darko – (CEO, DARKXLYN COMPANY LTD)
Is a highly experienced civil engineer, entrepreneur, and pastor with decades of expertise in civil engineering, earthworks, geodetic surveying, and road design. With over two decades of professional experience, he has built a strong reputation as an industry leader and an excellent consultant.
Vida Djorgee – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Essential Quality Care
Vida Djorgee brings over 23 years of dedicated healthcare experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Founder of Essential Quality Care in Portland, Oregon. She began her career with Providence Health Care Services, where she spent 17 years coordinating hospital operations before expanding her expertise into hospice and end-of-life care.
Isaac Ofori Amoako – (CEO Ike City Hotel)
Isaac Kwabena Ofori Amoako is the owner, CEO, and “Billionaire Boss” of Ike City Hotel. A prominent Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who also serves as the CEO of the Ike City Group of Companies.
Before establishing his business empire in Ghana, Amoako spent over a decade in the diaspora, where he reportedly worked multiple jobs to build his capital.
He is widely recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sabaina Dugan
Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with sixteen years of work experience. She serves as an Associate Director of Nursing, specifically noted for her leadership qualities. Mrs. Dugan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
As the CEO of Plush Media, a company involved in media production and events, Sabaina Dugan has spearheaded campaigns to integrate Ghanaian music, especially gospel music, into the American entertainment environment. Under the Plush Media umbrella, Mrs. Dugan helped organize the Shakana Experience 2024, a major gospel music event featuring many Gospel artists.
She is also the CEO and owner of Lucern Ventures, which showcases a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, media, and general entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sandra Adom, PhD, FNP-C, RN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and research professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical care and research.
She is passionate about compassionate, evidence-based healthcare and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Adom also has a deep appreciation for Ghanaian music and culture. In 2025, she served as the Advanced Practice Provider for the Ghana Music Awards USA, supporting the health and wellbeing of performers and event participants.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has launched Heritage Month to project the country’s rich culture and national identity.
The launch took place at Nationalism Park on Monday, March 2, 2026.
This year’s celebration, under the theme, “Experience Ghana, My Heritage, My Pride (Taste 69@69),” also marked the launch of the historic Vodza Regatta.
Speaking at the launch, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie emphasized the role of tourism, culture and the creative arts in driving jobs, empowering youth and women, and stimulating domestic tourism.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for offering to be the culture ambassador extraordinary.
According to her, the tourism and creative sector, as the biggest service provider, needs support because it has what it takes to create a lot of employment for Ghanaians.
The minister also charged schools, corporate Ghana, and everyone to visit local tourist sites across the country and enjoy the local cuisines.
She also commended the Ghana Culture Forum and the National Folklore Board for advancing Ghana’s heritage recognition efforts.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, noted that Heritage Month is both a cultural celebration and an economic activation strategy, with activities including discounted access to heritage sites.
Mrs. Efua Houadjeto noted that there would be “Taste 69@69” culinary showcase, a nationwide Heritage Caravan, Akwaaba Festival, Asa Baako Festival, Akple Festival, Kenkey Festival, Independence Open Mic Concert, and Ghana Day, among others.
She revealed that there would be the unveiling of a revitalised GTA digital platform and an enhanced Ghana Travel portal.
Present at the launch were the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yussif Issaka Jajah, Ghana Tourism Development Company boss, Prof. Kobby Mensah, Deputy GTA CEO, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, other sector directors, traditional authorities, diplomatic representatives, stakeholders and the media.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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