The Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) board has officially lifted its ban on two dancehall juggernauts, Charles Nii Armah Mensah popularly known as Shatta Wale and Livingstone Etse Satekla, Known professionally as Stonebwoy ahead of the 2021 edition of the show.
According to a press release by the board chairman sighted by GistAfrica, this decision was taken at the inaugural meeting of the 22nd VGMA Board on the 28th of January, 2021.
Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were banned indefinitely from participating in the VGMAs after an altercation between them marred the 2019 edition.
The former rivals were also stripped of the awards they won on the night and asked to return the plaques they had been given.
Because their altercation had caused panic many people fled the venue thus the organizers failed to announce the Artiste of the Year award, in which both were nominees.
The Board agreed to admit them back to the scheme, hoping that such altercations that bring the scheme into disrepute, do not occur in future events.
This makes them eligible to participate in this and subsequent editions of the VGMA, if they so desire.
By extension, musicians who have collaborated with Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy in the year under review can also submit their work
The VODAFONE GHANA MUSIC AWARDS is dedicated to celebrating Ghanaian Musicians and projecting the Ghanaian music industry in a positive light and will continue to work with the music industry stakeholders to uphold the image and integrity of the scheme.
The journey to the 22nd edition of the VGMA has started with a call for nominations from artistes of music works (Songs, EPs/Albums) released between 1st January and 31st December 2020.
Artistes, artiste managements, record labels, producers, instrumentalists, music composers and other stakeholders have until February 15, to submit their entries.
VGMA Board officially issues statement lifting ban on dancehall juggernauts @shattawalegh and @stonebwoyb pic.twitter.com/SfeDHDsLgA
— GistAfrica (@gistafrica_) February 12, 2021
