HIGHLIGHT
With reference to last year’s (2016) VGMA categories, the award scheme had thirty (30) slots but in this 2017 entry, three categories were scrapped making twenty-seven (27) in all.
The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards is the Biggest, most anticipated, most patronised and most significant Entertainment event on the Ghanaian music calendar.
But controversies surrounding the annual award event have always been the talk of town since industry players and Ghanaian music lovers share their views on changes or additions made by the organisers of the VGMA.
With reference to last year’s (2016) VGMA categories, the award scheme had thirty (30) slots but in this 2017 entry, three categories were scrapped making twenty-seven (27) in all.
It is uncertain why Charter House dropped the three (3) categories but dwelling on previous complains and comments from a section of the public, claimed that once Peace songs are released every four years during election year it’s unfair to add that category.
Others shared their opinions on the Music for Development Award as a category which will only see artiste(s) do songs to win the awards and are unable to sustain their projects. Critics have also described the African Artiste of the year category as needless since other dropped categories to awards Ghanaians can replace the African Artiste of the year category to honour and appreciate Ghanaian musicians and other music industry who have released work(s) that have generated the most public excitement within the calendar year of the scheme.
Last year the Gospel Album of the Year category was suspended because according to organisers of the awards event, the gospel albums submitted were not enough and those that were submitted did not have the minimum requirements of three hit songs, Lifetime Achievement Award and MUSIGA Merit Award were also merged.
Below are the categories scrapped
African Artiste of the Year – Wizkid
Peace Song Winner – New Generation Gospel Ministers
Music for Development Award – Gasmilla
The 18th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards which is powered by Charterhouse Productions and sponsored by Vodafone Ghana is organized in partnership with the Musicians the Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and under the auspices of and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards scheme, which is now in its 18th year, has grown into a Festival of Music and Entertainment that engages the entire country and beyond.
VGMA 2017 Categories
Artiste(s) of the Year
Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste(s) of the Year
Highlife Artiste(s) of the Year
Gospel Artiste(s) of the Year
New Artiste of the Year
Best Collaboration of the year
African Artiste(s) of the Year
Hiplife Song of the Year
Reggae/Dancehall Artiste(s) of the Year
Highlife song of the Year
Most Popular Song of the Year
Afro-Pop Song of the Year
Hip Hop Song of the Year
Gospel Song of the year
Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year
Best Group of the Year
INDUSTRY VOTING AWARDS CATEGORIES
Album of the Year
Best Male Vocal Artiste of the Year
Best Female Vocal Artist of the Year
Music Video of the Year
Best Rapper of the Year
Songwriter of the Year
Sound Engineer of the Year
Traditional Artiste(s) of the Year
Record of the Year
Instrumentalist of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
