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
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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