Ghana Music Awards Explained

Current Awards:2024 Ghana Music Awards
Ghana Music Awards
Awarded For:Outstanding work in the Ghanaian music industry
Presenter:CharterHouse
Country:Ghana
Network:
Formerly:

The Ghana Music Awards, also known since 2024 by the sponsored name Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs),[1] [2] [3] formerly Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs),[4] is an annual music awards event in Ghana established in 1999 by a local event organizer and planner company known as Charter House to originally and primarily celebrate the "outstanding contributions of Ghanaian musicians to the growth and expansion of its associated industry".[5]

Usually held between April and June, the event is broadcast locally on GHOne TV, GTV and/or TV3 and outside Ghana on Akwaaba Magic on satellite TV platform DStv and terrestrial TV platform GOtv.[6] Prior to the launch of the Akwaaba Magic channel in 2021, the event was broadcast outside Ghana on channels 155 and 198 on DStv and on channel 110 on GOtv.[7]

Trophy

The Ghana Music Awards trophy has been awarded in different forms over the years; with the current one unveiled before the 2019 edition of the event. It consists of a Gold Star plaque with a circular hole and strings on opposite faces, mimicking a guitar.[8]

Artist of the Year

The Artist of the Year award is the highest and most prestigious of the awards given at the event given to the artist(s) adjudged by the CharterHouse, the GMA Board and the general public as having the highest audience appeal, radio play, online streaming and popularity. The artist(s) must have a released hit single/album during the year under review to be eligible.[9] Past and present Artist of the Year award winners:

E.L

Unannounced

Kuami Eugene[13]

Diana Hamilton

KiDi

Black Sherif[14]

Stonebwoy

Locations

The inaugural ceremony in 1999 was held at the National Theatre of Ghana in Accra until 2004 when it moved to the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), and it has been held there ever since. With the exception of the 2010, 2011 and 2012 editions of the event which were held at the Dome of the AICC, the event since the move to the AICC was held at its Main Hall until 2018. Since 2019, the event has been held at the Grand Arena (then/previously the New Dome) still at the AICC.

bgcolor=#EEDD82 colspan=7 align=centerGhana Music Awards Dates and Locations
YearDateVenueHost(s)Reference(s)
11999National Theatre of GhanaKwami Sefa Kayi[15] [16]
22001
32002[17]
420038 March[18]
5200413 March[19]
620051 May[20]
720064 March[21]
820076 May[22]
9200825 AprilSamini and Doreen Andoh[23]
1020094 AprilMain Hall of the Accra International Conference Center (AICC)Bice Osei Kuffour, Samini and Dentaa[24] [25]
11201010 AprilKwasi Kyei Darwkah (KKD)[26]
12201125 FebruaryChris Attoh and Doreen Andoh[27]
13201213 AprilThe Dome of the AICCChris Attoh and Benson Ohene Boateng[28]
14201318 MayMildred Ashong (Eazzy) and Kofi Okyere Darko (KOD)[29]
15201426 April[30]
16201511 AprilNathaniel Attoh and Joselyn Dumas[31] [32]
1720167 MayChris Attoh, Naa Ashorkor and DJ Black[33] [34] [35] [36]
1820178 AprilAnita Erskine[37]
19201815 AprilJohn Dumelo & Berla Mundi[38]
20201918 MayThe New Dome/Grand Arena of the AICCKwami Sefa Kayi & Berla Mundi[39]
21202028 & 29 AugustDay 1 – Giovani Caleb & Sika OseiDay 2 – KOD & Berla Mundi[40] [41]
22202125 & 26 JuneDay 1 – Giovani Caleb and AJ Akuoko-SarpongDay 2 – Berla Mundi, Giovani Caleb and Sika Osei[42]
2320229 AprilAJ Akuoko-Sarpong[43]
242023[44] 6 MayBerla Mundi

The 23rd edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) Day 1 was held on Friday night, May 6, 2022.[45]

COVID-19 consequences

In 2020, the event's precursor, the nominees jam, scheduled for April 4 at Jackson Park in Koforidua, was initially postponed and then cancelled to comply with a national directive on public gathering due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.[46] [47] [48]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2024-03-28 . Live Updates: 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards Nominees Unveiling Ghana Music . 2024-03-31 . en-GB.
  2. Web site: 25th Ghana Music Awards: See full list of nominees .
  3. Web site: GNA . 2024-03-29 . Stonebwoy tops nominations for 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards . 2024-03-31 . Ghana News Agency . en-US.
  4. Web site: Postings . Lawrence . 2023-03-22 . Nominees for 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards . 2023-03-23 . Lawrence Postings . en-GB.
  5. Web site: Ghana Music Awards Chalks 5 Years. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180617042827/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/entertainment/Ghana-Music-Awards-Chalks-5-Years-50745. 17 June 2018. GhanaWeb. 28 January 2004. 14 July 2015.
  6. Web site: Johnson . Reymond Awusei . 2023-04-16 . 5 top events Ghanaians uphold . 2024-03-31 . Pulse Ghana . en.
  7. Web site: 2023-05-06 . List Of All VGMA Artiste Of The Year Winners From 1999 To 2023; Plus Who Has Won The Most Awards? . 2024-03-31 . Thedistin . en.
  8. Web site: 2 January 2020. Vodafone Ghana Music Awards- VGMAS Officially Opens Nominations For The 21st Edition. GH Gossip. 12 February 2020.
  9. Web site: Award Categories . 2024-03-31 . VGMA 2024 . en-US.
  10. Web site: Shatta Wale wins Artist of the Year at 2014 VGMAs. Ameyaw Debrah. 4 May 2014. 12 September 2015.
  11. Web site: Photos & Videos : Stonebwoy rules 2015 Ghana Music Awards, Sarkodie, Edem, Daddy Lumba, Pappykojo, and more win big!. Ameyaw Debrah. 12 April 2015. 12 September 2015.
  12. Web site: VGMA 2018: Ebony Reigns Crowned Artist Of The Year. Peace FM. 15 April 2018 . 15 April 2018.
  13. Web site: 30 August 2020 . Kuami Eugene wins VGMA Artist of the Year 2020 . 31 August 2020 . MyJoyOnline. . en-US.
  14. Web site: Otu-Aboagye . David . 2023-05-07 . VGMA 2023: Blacko wins Artiste of The Year Award And Gets Fans Overly Excited . 2024-03-31 . Yen.com.gh - Ghana news. . en.
  15. Web site: 1 April 2019. Meet all the winners of Ghana Music Awards since it started in 1999. GhanaWeb. 1 May 2019.
  16. Web site: B. Erin. 16 May 2013. Who Will Host Ghana Music Awards 2013?. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160618163443/http://www.twimovies.news/news/17899-who-will-host-ghana-music-awards-2013.html. 18 June 2016. TwiMovies. 12 September 2015.
  17. Web site: 28 January 2002. National Music Awards 2002 Launched. GhanaWeb. 12 September 2015.
  18. Web site: Ghana Music Awards To Be Held Today. 30 November 2003. GhanaWeb. 12 September 2015.
  19. Web site: Ghana Music Awards 2004. 30 November 2004. GhanaWeb. 12 September 2015.
  20. Web site: Seven Awarded At Ghana Music Awards 2005 Gala Nite. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  21. Web site: 6 March 2006. Ghana Music Awards 2006 Makes History. GhanaWeb. 12 September 2015.
  22. Web site: 2007 Ghana Music Awards-Batman Samini tops them all. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100323105940/https://www.modernghana.com/music/4458/3/2007-ghana-music-awards-batman-samini-tops-them-al.html. 23 March 2010. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  23. Web site: 15 May 2013. Scaro. VJ. A Journey with Ghana Music Awards hosts – Who hosts the 2013 VGMA?. Ameyaw Debrah. 12 September 2015.
  24. Web site: 7 April 2009. Okyeame Kwame Wins Artist Of The Year. GhanaWeb. 12 September 2015.
  25. Web site: 4 March 2009. The 2009 Ghana Music Awards nominees revealed. ModernGhana. 30 January 2012.
  26. Web site: Mensah. Nii Atakora. 3 February 2010. 2010 Ghana Music Awards date set. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20190212125837/https://www.modernghana.com/music/11131/3/2010-ghana-music-awards-date-set.html. 12 February 2019. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  27. Web site: Default Ghana Music Awards Festival 2011 Nominations To Be Released On February 25. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20181226235852/http://www.ghanaforum.com/showthread.php/3253-Ghana-Music-Awards-Festival-2011-Nominations-To-Be-Released-On-February-25. 26 December 2018. Ghana Forum. 12 September 2015.
  28. Web site: 13 June 2012. 2012 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards presented with prizes. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  29. Web site: 19 May 2013. Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2013 And Its Full List Winners. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  30. Web site: Donkoh. Ebenezerv. 23 April 2014. 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Industry Awards on April 26. NYDJLive. 12 September 2015.
  31. Web site: 13 April 2015. VGMA 2015: Full List of Winners. Peace FM. 12 September 2015.
  32. Web site: 12 April 2015. Full list of winners at 2015 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. ModernGhana. 12 September 2015.
  33. Web site: 4 May 2016. Chris, Naa and DJ Black to host VGMA 2016. 1 June 2016. Citi FM.
  34. Web site: Mawuli . David . 15 February 2016 . VGMA 2016 VGMA Board begins categorisation process . 26 February 2016 . Pulse Ghana.
  35. Web site: Checkout VGMAs 2016 Full List of Winners. GhKings. 8 May 2016. 8 June 2016.
  36. Web site: Ghana Music Awards 2016 – EL wins Artist of the Year. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160630204126/https://ghkings.com/ghana-music-awards-2016-el-wins/. 30 June 2016. GhKings. 9 May 2016. 8 June 2016.
  37. Web site: VGMA2017: Full List Of Winners For 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080150/http://www.gheventplus.net/2017/04/09/vgma2017-full-list-winners-2017-vodafone-ghana-music-awards/. 13 February 2018. GhEventPlus. 9 April 2017. 11 March 2018.
  38. News: Ntumy . Elorm Kojo . 9 April 2018 . Berla and John Dumelo to host VGMA . Graphic Showbiz . . 15 April 2018.
  39. Web site: Michael. Hammond. VGMA 2019: Berla Mundi praises Sefa Kayi for his 'secret words' to her. 19 May 2019. 1 June 2019. Yen.com.gh – Ghana news..
  40. Web site: Lamptey. Edwin. 28 August 2020. List of Emcees for the 2020 edition of VGMAs leaked; big names drop. 10 September 2020. Yen.com.gh – Ghana news.. en.
  41. Web site: Sagoe. Margaret. 31 August 2020. My VGMA Experience: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. 10 September 2020. Kuulpeeps – Ghana Campus News and Lifestyle Site by Students.
  42. Web site: Dadzie. Kwame. Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2021 scheduled for June 25–26. 7 June 2021. Citi FM. 1 July 2021.
  43. Web site: Anthony. Britton. 26 March 2022. VGMA23: Check Out Nominations Producer Of The Year. https://web.archive.org/web/20220326162006/https://celebritiesbuzzgh.com/vgma23-check-out-nominations-producer-of-the-year/. live. Celebrity Buzz Ghana. 26 March 2022. 26 March 2022.
  44. Web site: 2023-05-08 . 2023 VGMA Review: The wins, performances, red carpet slayers and the lows . 2023-05-09 . GhanaWeb . en.
  45. News: Winners full list for Ghana Music Awards 2022 . BBC News Pidgin . 2023-08-02.
  46. Web site: 18 March 2020 . VGMA awards nominees jam postponed . 1 May 2020 . Graphic Online.
  47. Web site: 19 March 2020 . Coronavirus: 2020 VGMA Nominees Jam cancelled . 25 April 2020 . MyJoyOnline..
  48. Web site: 2020-03-18 . 2020 Ghana Music Awards' Nominees Jam postponed #VGMA21 . 2024-03-31 . VGMA 2024 . en-US.