READ ALSO: Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2015 Review: Sorry to Everyone Who Tortured Himself for Over 6 Hours to Watch Bad Pictures, Endure Bad Sound, Bad Stage Coordination, Bad Performances, Bad Production & Bad Everything…
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The 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards will take place this Saturday-11 April, 2015 at the Accra International Conference Centre—and GhanaCelebrities.Com has put together a team of 7 writers/bloggers to sit up that night and bring our valued readers who can watch the event LIVE HERE certain important live updates and commentaries to spice up this year’s Ghana Music Awards experience.
We also have a reporter who will be at the Event, sending in live photos and reports and together with our online team who will be chipping in their comments—and will also be monitoring social media for what people are saying, we promise to give you a FUN night.
So all you have to do is, is logon here at exactly 7pm on Saturday with your tea, pop corn or whatever and join the millions of Ghanaians around the world who would be sharing the night with us.Using our comment box below, you can join the discussion while watching the event LIVE…
As part of our live update, we will also take you through some of the important past happenings in the life of the Ghana Music Awards to remind ourselves of how the journey has been all these years—-as we embrace ourselves for the 2015 event.
We will keep this page on a constant update so keep refreshing it throughout the day….
Meanwhile, if you will be attending the event today, don’t forget to tweet at us @ghanacelebrity any photo you capture while out there. The photo you tweet may make it into our updates. Also, we are looking for active twitter users who will join the discussions from their houses or at the event through twitter. If you want your tweets/commentary to be picked for our live updates, hit us up on twitter now…
The All Important Artiste of the Year Award…
The Artist of the Year category is the most coveted of all the categories. This year, seven artists have been nominated for the top prize, including legendary singer Daddy Lumba and rapper Sarkodie, Guru and MzVee, the only female in the category.
Since its inception in 1999, only two artiste(s) — V.I.P and Sarkodie — have won the much envied award twice. The former was the first to break the jinx.
Now check out the list for the Artiste(s) of year from 2005 to 2014.
2005: Obour
The 34-year-old was the ‘Artiste of the Year’ in 2005. He dominated the airwaves that era with the Samini-assisted song, Konkotiba.
Obour, whose real name is Bice Osei Kuffour, also won four other awards in his most successful season, including Hiplife Artiste of the Year and Hiplife Album of the Year for his critically-acclaimed album Atumpan.
Though he has been sort of dormant in showbiz lately, the Mfantsipim old boy is currently occupying the top position of Ghana’s biggest music group – MUSIGA. He has so far released five studio album, one with highlife legend A.B Crentsil.
2006: Ofori Amponsah
I dare say Ofori Amponsah was unquestionably the best artist of the noughties. Dude churned out hits after hits during this period.
After six years of debuting on the music scene, the Agogo-born singer was rewarded for his incredible year at the 2006 Ghana Music Awards. He took home the top prize – Artiste of the year, plus six other awards including Album of the Year for Otoolege and Song of the Year for the title track.
Mr All4Real as he is affectionately called, debuted on music scene in 1999 through his mentor Daddy Lumba, when they released their collaborative album ‘Wo Ho Kyere’. That album spawned hits like Auntie Atta and the title track.
Amidst rumours of bad blood between him and Lumba, the 41-year-old decided to go solo with the release of the album, Asew. And from 1999 to date, the father-of-four has unleashed about 9 studio albums.
Now an evangelist, the former highlife crooner has kept a low profile, focusing only on God’s work.
2007: SAMINI
Despite bursting on the scene in 2001 after featuring on Kokoveli hit single Zaaza, it took Samini, formerly Bat Man a while before releasing his first album, Dankwasere. The highly-anticipated album spawned the ubiquitous and infectious hit single ‘Linda’.
The massive success of the track propelled him into international stardom, performing alongside the likes of Jay Z, Sean Paul, Akon and Shaggy.
In 2007, the 33-year-old nabbed two awards at the Ghana Music Awards – The Artiste of the Year and Record of the Year.
He has so far released four albums: Dankwasere, Samini, Dagaati, and High-grade.
2008: KWAWKESE
Kwaw Kese, first came into the spotlight when he featured on Obrafour’s Execution Diary compilation with his controversial track ‘Oye Nonsense’. Rumours has it that the track was a diss to fellow hiplife singer Kontihene.
In 2007, the Swedru-born rapper released his critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Odeim’. It was no surprise he nabbed four awards the following year at the 9th annual Ghana Music Awards. Kwaw Kesse took home the Artiste of the Year, Hiplife Album of the Year for Odeim, Hiplife Artist of the Year and Hiplife Song of the Year for Odeim.
Albums, ‘Ma Kwan (Give Way)’ and ‘Killer Bewu’ failed to match the success of Odeim. Since then, his career has somehow taken a nosedive, only appearing in the news for the bad reasons. Needs to get his mojo back, because at his best he is impregnable.
2009: Okyeame Kwame
“Woso haw yi gu, woso kom yi gu, woso ohia yi gu. Na wei na wonnhu bi da,” sings ‘Rap Doctor’ on the chorus of his hit single ‘Woso’.
Released in 2008, ‘Woso’ is the lead single from Okyeame Kwame’s album ‘Awensem’. The track has become his signature song and most successful to date, helping him win the ‘Artist of the Year’ at the 2009 Ghana Music Awards.
Okyeame Kwame,38, was born Kwame Nsiah-Apau and was formerly one half of the hiplife duo Akyeame.
He is married to Annica Nsiah-Apau and they are blessed with two kids.
2010: SARKODIE
Sarkodie is arguably the most successful Ghanaian entertainer of all time.
Despite being a recording artist for only 8 years, the Tema-based rapper has bagged numerous recognized awards including 12 Ghana Music Awards, Nigeria Entertainment Awards and the highly-coveted B.E.T Awards.
Sarkordie, real name – Michael Owusu Addo, was born and bred in Tema to Emma Maame Aggrey, a single parent. He is a product of Tema Methodist Day Secondary.
He has three albums to his credit. His forthcoming fourth studio ‘Mary’, will be released this year, and it is dedicated to his grandmother who died 2012.
2011: VIP
They are perhaps the most successful and influential hiplife act of the noughties. The trio comprising of Promzy (Emmanuel Promzy Ababio), Prodigal (Joseph Nana Ofori), and Zeal (Abdul Hamid Ibrahim) were the Beatles of African music.
Songs like Daben na odo beba and Ahomka Womu didn’t only slam dunk the charts in Ghana, it was also a massive hit in Africa. In my view, they are the second most popular Ghanaian act in Africa (Sarkodie is NO.1).
VIP are the first of only two artistes to win Ghana Music Award’s ‘Artiste of the Year’ twice. The second is Sarkodie. They won the top prize in 2004 and 2011.
Now called VVIP, fans were shocked when Promzy, a founder member quit the group, citing desire to go solo. However, the group are still a trio with the subsequent inclusion of hiplife legend and originator Reggie Rockstone.
2012: SARKODIE
Sarkodie is arguably the most successful Ghanaian entertainer of all time.
Despite being a recording artist for only 8 years, the Tema-based rapper has bagged numerous recognized awards including 12 Ghana Music Awards, Nigeria Entertainment Awards and the highly-coveted B.E.T Awards.
Sarkordie, real name – Michael Owusu Addo, was born and bred in Tema to Emma Maame Aggrey, a single parent. He is a product of Tema Methodist Day Secondary.
He has three albums to his credit. His forthcoming fourth studio album, ‘Mary’ will be released this year, and it is dedicated to his grandmother who died 2012.
2013: R2BEES
R2Bees are the most popular and vibrant hiplife group in Ghana right now. The duo comprising Faisal Hakeem (Paedae da Pralem) and Rashid Mugeez (Mugeez) have enjoyed tons of airplay with their catchy and earwormy singles. Since 2010, they have toppled VIP as the NO.1 music group/band in Ghana, making the latter look more like a has-been.
The release of singles Odo and Walaahi propelled the pair to international stardom, performing alongside several A-Listers in the music industry worldwide. In 2013, Faisal and Rashid were rewarded for their impressive season at the 14th Annual Ghana Music Awards. They took home five plaques including the biggest award – ‘Artiste of the Year’. That same year, BET nominated the hiplife crooners for BET Best International Act (Africa). They however lost to Nigeria’s Ice Prince.
2014: SHATTA WALE
He is the man of the moment.
Shatta Wale made his debut in 2004 with hit single ‘Bandana from Ghana’. Rather shockingly, his follow-ups were all flops, making people think he was a one-hit wonder.
However in 2012, he made a big comeback dominating the airwaves with his infectious dancehall music. His efforts were acknowledged and was nominated for Reggae Dance Hall Song of the Year for hit song Shatta City. Shatta Wale surprisingly lost the award to then newcomer Kaakie, a protégé of his nemesis Samini.
Filled with disappointment and anger for losing the award, the 31-year-old caused a little commotion, pulling Kanye West-esque rants at the award show.
The following year (2013) proved to be his best, easily dominating the charts and airwaves with his ubiquitous single ‘Dancehall King’. It was all Shatta Wale-mania that year, as he got an unparralled media attention because of his controversies and talent.
With his huge success in 2013, no one was surprised when he bagged the top awards at the 2014 Ghana Music Awards, including the Artist of the Year and Most Popular Song of the Year.
The 2015 Nominees of the VGMAs + Our Predictions
Overall Artiste(s) of the Year
Category Description: The Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Daddy Lumba
Real Winner: Stonebwoy
Hiplife/Hiphop Artiste(s) of the Year
Category Description: The Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as having with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Hiplife/Hip Hop Genre. They must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Sarkodie
Real Winner: Sarkodie
Highlife Artiste(s) of the Year
Category Description: The Highlife Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Highlife genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Daddy Lumba
Real Winner: Daddy Lumba
Gospel Artiste(s) of the Year
Category Description: The Gospel Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Gospel genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Anita Afriyie
Real Winner: No Tribe
Best New Artiste(s) of The Year
Category Description: The New Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most promising and talented artiste (s). The award goes to the artiste(s) who released a recording that FIRST shot the artiste (s) into the public limelight during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Wiyaala
Real Winner: Mz Vee
African Artiste(s) of the Year
Category Description: The African Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) (non-Ghanaian) whose music crossed borders and made the most impact in Ghana and on the continent at large during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Yemi Alade
Real Winner: Patoranking
Best Collaboration of the Year
Category Description: The Best Collaboration of the year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the song released through the collaboration/featuring of two or more Artistes. The song must have been released and generated the most excitement during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Seihor-Castro Feat. D-Black
Real Winner: Adonai Remix-Sarkodie Feat. Castro
Hiplife Song of the Year
Category Description: The Hiplife Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Hiplife song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Seihor-Castro Feat. D-Black
Real Winner: Seihor-Castro Feat. D-Black
Highlife Song of the Year
Category Description: The Highlife song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Highlife song released in the year under review and generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Nee Woho Beto Wo-Daddy Lumba
Real Winner: Nee Woho Beto Wo-Daddy Lumba
Vodafone Most Popular Song of the Year
Category Description: The Most Popular Song of the Year is the song adjudged 100% by the General Public as the most popular song released in the year under review, irrespective of genre. The song must have enjoyed a lot of patronage and generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Nee Woho Beto Wo-Daddy Lumba
Real Winner: Adonai-Remix Sarkodie Feat. Castro
Afro-Pop Song of the Year
Category Description: The Afro-Pop Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular song that is a cross pollination of music genres. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Killing Me Softly-R2Bees
Real Winner:Koene Koene-Edem Feat. Ice Queen & Lil Shaker
Hip Hop Song of the Year
Category Description: The Hip Hop song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Hip Hop song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Realer No-Pappy Kojo Feat. Joey B
Real Winner: Realer No-Pappy Kojo Feat. Joey B
Gospel Song of the Year
Category Description: The Gospel Song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Gospel Song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Adehye Mogya-Anita Afriyie
Real Winner: Alpha & Omega-Selina Boateng Ft. Uncle Ato
Reggae /Dancehall Song of the Year
Category Description: The Reggae song of the Year is the song adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the most popular Reggae song released in the year under review. The song must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Baafira-Stonebwoy Feat. Sarkodie
Real Winner: Baafira-Stonebwoy Feat. Sarkodie
Group of the Year
Category Description: The Best Group of the Year is the Artistes adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the group with the highest audience appeal and popularity. They must comprise of at least 2 or more members and must have released a hit single/album during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: VVIP
Real Winner: VVIP
Album of the Year
Category Description: The Album of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding compilation of hit songs on an album that was released during the year under review. It must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Predicted Winner: Wiyaala-Wiyaala
Real Winner: Books & Rhymes-Edem
Best Male Vocal Performance
Category Description: The Best Male Vocal Artiste is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the Male artiste (solo) with the best vocal delivery/Performance on any musical presentation which was released during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Nee Woho Beto Wo-Daddy Lumba
Real Winner: Turning Around Joe Mettle
Best Female Vocal Performance
Category Description: The Best Female Act is adjudged by the Selection and Boards as the Female artiste (solo) with the best vocal delivery/Performance on any musical presentation which was released during the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Efya-One of Your Own
Real Winner: Tinambaynyi-Wiyaala
Best Music Video of the Year
Category Description: The Music Video of the year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most creative and entertaining music video produced within the calendar year. The song for which the video has been produced, need not have been released in the year under review. The award goes to both Director and Artiste.
Predicted Winner: No Short Cut to Heaven-M.anifest | Garth Von Glehn
Real Winner: Koene-Edem Feat. Ice Queen & Lil Shaker | Gyo Gyimah
Best Rapper of the Year
Category Description: The Best Rapper of the year is adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the rap Artiste with the best word compositions, rhymes and rap dexterity on a popular song released in the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Sarkodie-Shots On Shots
Real Winner: E.L-America Passport
Song Writer of the Year
Category Description: The Song Writer of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the Song Writer(s) responsible for the song with the most meaningful original lyrics and compositions for any released song during the year under review.
Winner: Noella Wiyaala and Melissa Van Der Spuy (Africa)
Record of the Year
Category Description: The Record of the Year is adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding original song that was released during the year under review. It may not have enjoyed huge success, but has quality artistic value.
Winner: Nkwa Abodoo (Koda)
Gospel Album of the Year
Category Description: The Gospel Album of the Year is the Album adjudged by the Academy and Board as the most outstanding compilation of hit Gospel songs that was released during the year under review. It must have generated the most excitement during the year.
Winner: Evangelist Diana Asamoah
Reggae /Dancehall Artiste of the Year
Category Description: The Reggae/Dancehall Artiste(s) of the Year is the Artiste(s) adjudged by the Academy, Board and the General Public as the Artiste(s) with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the Reggae/Dancehall genre. The Artiste(s) must have released a hit single/album in the year under review.
Predicted Winner: Stonebwoy
Real Winner: Stonebwoy
The Hosts | Joselyn Dumas & Chris Attoh (Unconfirmed)
We are told actor-Chris Attoh will return alongside Joselyn Dumas as the the hosts of the 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards—a challenge musician Eazzy and KOD poorly took on last year. For this year, all eyes will be on Joselyn Dumas and we hope she delivers.
Chris Attoh has done this and several others many times so he will playing in his territory but Ghanaians have good taste for hosting, so he has to measure up if he returns. The two used to host Charter House’s TV show ‘Rhythmz’ so they definitely have a working chemistry…
Apparently, Chris Attoh has been stuck in Nigeria—and he cannot get a flight back to Ghana to host the 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and as such, Nathaniel Attoh will walk in his shoes tonight, still alongside Joselyn Dumas…
The red carpet for this year’s VGMA is going to hosted by Blaque Boy and Amanda Jissah of Charter House’s GhOne—and it starts at 8pm.
What Are People Saying On Twitter…
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httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW-Qn54ioIQ
Feeling the 3 highlife artists…..Please give them (all) the award pls pls pls…
Is that even possible lol? I think Lumba deserves it best
You see ooo…. Pinned to the wall, I’d go for Bisa Kdei. His music is driven by the artists’ calm persona, sleek voice and lyrical content. Daddy Lumba’s song though popular, has taken a political turn, thus does not a unifying front .
Well done Chris and your team. I am feeling this page. I will sleep here tomorrow can’t wait for it all to start.
Thanks GC very informative. I will be here tomorrow sharp sharp. I didn’t know VIP has won arstiste of the year twice too. Good work done boys. GC rocks
Please not Joselyn Dumas because that Bytch can’t host anything not a birthday party. She always tries too much. too much fake so she spoils it all. Chris Attoh too comes with his fake accent all the time. The two will be big disaster. Charter house paa
You wanna do it?
Joselyn? Lets hope she does disappoint
how soon is it going to start?
Same thing I am asking myself, I bet it’s Ghana man time lol
I was laughing when I saw the Castro seat photo Chris posted. WTF
Amanda’s accent………………………………hmmmmm…………….
Can we hav a look at mzvee dress???
whats up with the fake american accent…
Kantanka Car. i wouldn’t drive that until i see a crash test……..
lmao