Ghana: Teflon Flexx wins 2020 VGMAs Unsung category

He beat off competition from Imrana, Gyakie, Kofi Jamar, Abochi and Sherry Boss. “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 to countless underground arts in the region who are losing hope because of tiring efforts without recognition.”

This is the first time a musician from the Upper East region has won the category, whose previous winners include Kelvyn Boy, Adomaa and Kula.

Teflon also said that winning the category represented a challenge for him to put in more effort. He said that he intended for his story to serve as inspiration for young people in Ghana. "Giving up is not an option,” he said.

"Charterhouse would like to congratulate Teflon Flexx for the great feat and encourage him to use the VGMA platform to advance his career," the organiser of the VGMAs said. "We would also like to congratulate Imrana, Gyakie, Kofi Jamar, Sherry Boss and Abochi for running the race. From experience, we know that not winning a contest does not define how far you go in your career."

The Unsung category, which is essentially a contest for upcoming artists, began in February and saw six acts emerge from more than 5 000 social media submissions. The selected artists were then featured in a live-band session performing two of their best songs. The sessions were broadcast on Ghanaian TV and online, where the public was asked to vote for the artist they most wanted to see perform at the 21st VGMAs.

This year's awards ceremony will be held virtually on 28 and 29 August due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kuami Eugene, Diana Hamilton, Sarkodie, Medikal and Kofi Kinaata are in the running for the coveted Artist of the Year Award. Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy will not take part the ceremony, as they are both currently serving an indefinite ban for misconduct.

Meanwhile, voting is still open in all other categories and fans can vote by sending an SMS to 1767 on the Vodafone network only.