Call for nominations: 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Unsung category

Unsung is a contest for upcoming artists and affords the winner a performance slot at the 22nd edition of the annual awards. 

To nominate, fans must post a picture of their preferred artist across social media, using the hashtag #VGMA22Unsung.

The deadline for nomination is 30 March.

Last year, the competition was won by Teflon Flexx, a rapper from Wiaga in the Upper East region of Ghana, making him the first musician from the region to win the category. He beat colleagues Imrana, Gyakie, Kofi Jamar, Abochi and Sherry Boss. Previous VGMAs Unsung winners include Kelvyn Boy, Adomaa and Kula.

“Winning the Unsung category at the VGMAs is a huge step for my region,” Teflon Flexx told Music In Africa. “This will serve as a motivation for countless underground arts in the region who are losing hope because of tiring efforts without recognition.”

In related news, The VGMAs board last month lifted a ban on dancehall singers Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy after they were suspended following an onstage brawl at the event’s 2019 edition.

“The board agreed to admit them back to the scheme, hoping that such altercations that bring the scheme into disrepute do not occur at future events. This makes them eligible to participate in this and subsequent editions of VGMAs if they so desire,” a statement dated 12 February reads.

Held in partnership with the Musicians Union of Ghana, the awards ceremony was held virtually last year in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with highlife singer Kuami Eugene winning the coveted Artist of the Year Award. A similar programme format is expected to be deployed for this year’s edition, which will reward music releases between 1 January and 31 December 2020.

Meanwhile, submission in all other categories closed on 15 February. 

For more information, visit the VGMAs official website.