VGMA Artiste of the Year to go to a living artiste?

Very interesting days lie ahead of us – especially in relation to the artist likely to annex the ultimate prize at the 19th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) slated for April 14, 2018 – www.entertainmentgh.com is paying critical attention.

Already, two top acts, enlisted in the ‘Artist of the Year’ category, Shatta Wale and Ebony have commandeered the chatter on who is best to take the honour – and most critically, the VGMA Board, which holds an integral percentage in the determination of the winner seems to have made its mind on who would win, or so it seems!

Bice Osei Kuffour,aka Obour, a member of the VGMA Board, speaking as a Board Member of the VGMA and also as President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, made some startling revelations during his speech at the Unveiling Party held last week at Movenpick Hotel.

In his speech, Obour, speaking for the Board, gave reason (s) to the decision of the Board to shortlist the nominees to the ‘Artist of the Year’ to only five (5) – stating that, Ghanaians should understand the decision, taking cognizance of the fact that, the 5 are those who were exceptional in the year under review.

What is most intriguing about Obour’s speech that raise eyebrows is the comment that, the ‘Artist of the Year’ must be that person who can project his/her music, brand and somehow, the scheme to the international market.

Observers, including www.enterrtainmentgh.com are mulling over that statement – considering the fact that, Ebony, who is dead, cannot project her music, her brand and somehow, the scheme by virtue of her being the ‘Artiste of the Year’ to other music markets. That statement somehow rules out any possibility of the deceased winning the topmost prize.

If Obour’s commentary is anything to go, considering the fact that, he also spoke for the Board at that particular time – then it means that, the Board has already made its mind on who they are voting for as ‘Artist of the Year’ – arguably!

Other nominees for the coveted ‘Artist of the Year’ tag are Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Joe Mettle