Saturday 18th May, 2019 marked the 20th anniversary of the VGMAs.
Over the years, it has grown to become the most anticipated awards ceremony in the music industry in Ghana.
Charterhouse, event organisers of the VGMAs as well as other stakeholders have done a good job of highlighting our own; from the legends, to contemporary industry giants and fresh, new acts.
Howbeit, this annual gathering of legends, local and international acts, celebrities, bloggers, influencers as well as other industry players has not been devoid of drama, purported schemes among other things.
Since 2000, several musicians across varied genres have gained recognition and nominated for their contributions to the growing industry from Instrumentalist of the Year to Artiste of the Year.
Over the years, musicians like Daddy Lumba, Kojo Antwi, Lord Kenya, Kontihene, Samini, V.I.P, Okyeame Kwame,Kwaw Kese, Sarkodie, R2Bees, Stonebuoy, E.L, Joe Mettle and Ebony Reigns have won the most coveted and anticipated award of the night.
Several of these musicians have similar works most of which have transcended from the days of “adadem” to the borga highlife and highlife of the 80s and 90s to the hiplife, rap, reggae and soul we have today.
I am in no way an industry expert. I am giving my views as a Ghanaian and the love I have for our music. I can sing verses of several songs from the days of Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Daddy Lumba’s Ewurade Wo Mmre Ma Obia to Oheneba Kissi’s Men Hyia Bi Da, Adina’s soulful songs. I love Sarkodie, as well as R2Bees. Their composition of rap lines and the fusion of highlife is lit and oh don’t I love King Promise? Man like Darko Vibes and Kwesi Arthur! (Ar-thurrr!)And my people Luigi Maclean, Sena Huks and Elpidio Dalmeida.
My love for music goes beyond the shores of Ghana. Give me songs by Tasha Cobbs, Nathaniel Bassey, Travis Greene.
Teni, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Emeli Sande, Simi, Johnny Drille, Mr.Eazi etc. any day and I will sing along to the verses I can.
Music does for me what writing as well as reading the literary works of other people does for me. I may not have the opportunity to visit certain places so I experience those places through literary works of people books, music etc.
I am not a keen follower of the VGMAs because I can’t keep up with the euphoria of the night. I catch up on it in the days to come. Seeing what transpired on Saturday between two main players in the industry was sad. They both erred in various ways.
Those events have somewhat marred what could have been a beautiful night of showcasing one essential part of our culture; music.
Like our varied interests as individuals, so do we have varied genres of music across the world and there will always be an audience for these different genres. Nonetheless, conflicts exist in all aspects of our lives so far as we live in a society.
It is no different for us as Ghanaians. If these conflicts are not managed properly, it then develops into something else. I know a lot of things go into planning such events and more measures should be put in place with respect to security.
As a country, diversity is a part of us on many fronts; in our tribe, culture, religion, political affiliation, language, values, principles and so is our music among others.
This diversity tends to divide us rather than foster unity. No man is an island. It is in appreciating diversity that we are able to understand our differences and the importance of other people’s capabilities and the similarities we bear so we can find ways to collaborate and improve related industries.
Why should music which is a universal tool and used to foster unity create agitations and disturb the peace? Why should we allow rivalry to win when we all have a space to shine in front of our fans? Sadly, sometimes it is we the fans, followers and media who instigate and promote enmity amongst these people.
Yes of course there is competition which is good but should that cause such enmity that hand shakes cannot even be extended as a show of good will? Should that lead to a raucous with enthusiasts fearing for their dear lives? Should this lead to a decision by the organisers to announce the Artiste of the Year at a later date because these two major players have been nominated for the category?
Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy are two of the greats in the Reggae/Dancehall industry. Their music is influenced and birthed from the different view points they hold as individuals. That’s diversity. Their music appeals to different sects of people.
I listen to Manifest in as much as I listen to Sarkodie. They both explore society and culture in various dimensions. The former does more of his in Twi and the latter in English. I am able to appreciate their works on the premise of different things and what led to the composition. This is diversity which needs to be celebrated.
These aforementioned musicians as well as other artistes have made a name for themselves and garnered lots of followership.
What we need to understand is the essence of diversity in our society and how this helps society. Feuds exist among various artistes in the entertainment industry across the world. Of course you always hear beefs between Davido and Wizkid but it is in how it’s managed.
Music is food to the soul. It brings healing and restoration to those who need it as well as bring joy and laughter. Music is our life. Let’s try to prevent these rifts.
For some of us, music is the only escape we have from the difficulties of life. Let’s not bring the name of our country and music to disrepute. Let’s not deny ourselves the opportunity to be able to do some Azonto and Zanku moves to another person’s music because of these rifts, please. At the end of it all, whether Shatta Movement or Bhim Nation, we are bound by one thing and it is the country Ghana.
It is in appreciating our diversity, realizing the contributions of each person in similar or varied fields and maximizing those potentials irrespective of religion, political affiliation, status etc. that contributes to the growth and development of society.
By: Nana Akua Frimpomaa Amofa
Author