Ghana: VGMAs to lift ban on Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale

The decision, which was made during the board’s inaugural meeting ahead of this year’s event, was announced by organiser Charterhouse Ghana’s head of public events and communications, Robert Klah, on the Accra-based Hitz FM on 6 February.

“It was in principle decided that the ban should be lifted,” Klah said. “There is a reason why this altercation happened and you want to be sure that they don’t resurface. You want to have that kind of conversation to understand and agree on how things should move.”

According to multiple eyewitness accounts and local media reports, the 2019 brawl started when Shatta Wale and his entourage mounted the stage after Stonebwoy had walked up to receive his Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year Award. At the height of the altercation, Stonebwoy pulled out a gun, forcing guests to flee the auditorium.

After the incident, Shatta Wale said his motive to go on stage was to congratulate his colleague. Before the incident, the two had been involved in a lengthy public feud. In September 2020, however, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy faced off in Asaase Sound Clash, a music battle that sought to raise awareness around COVID-19. Following the event, both artists have claimed that there's no more bad blood between them, though they have yet to collaborate on a musical release.

It now looks like both Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy will be able to submit entries for the 20201VGMAs ahead of the deadline on 15 February. This also means that musicians who have collaborated with the two in the year under review will be able to submit their works for consideration.

The 22nd edition of the annual awards will be held in partnership with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. It celebrates outstanding musical achievements in the country and across the continent in genres including highlife, Afropop, hiplife and traditional music. Highlife singer Kuami Eugene is the reigning Artist of the Year.