VGMA CEO Open to Discussion on Shatta Wale’s Return to Awards Scheme
In a recent interview on Joy FM, Theresa Ayoade, the Chief Executive of Charterhouse, the organizers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), expressed her willingness to engage in a conversation with musician Shatta Wale and his team regarding his potential return to the prestigious award scheme. Ayoade highlighted the lifting of the ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy as the catalyst for initiating discussions on collaboration for industry growth.
Following the highly publicized altercation between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale in 2019, both artists were indefinitely banned from participating in the VGMA. However, Stonebwoy’s return to the awards scheme after discussions and reconciliation paved the way for Shatta Wale’s possible comeback.
Ayoade emphasized the importance of mutual respect and collaboration within the industry, stating, “We just want to make sure that the scheme is respected. Whoever agrees to be part of the scheme, agrees to abide by the outcome of the scheme. Most importantly, just give it that respect because we give every musician the necessary respect. The industry must also give us that respect for what we do because we are collaborators in the industry.”
Charterhouse aims to foster inclusivity by engaging in meaningful conversations with artists, ensuring that the VGMA remains a respected platform for recognizing musical excellence. The CEO extended an open invitation to Shatta Wale and his team to discuss their potential participation in the award scheme, emphasizing the importance of approaching the conversation with maturity and professionalism.
As the dialogue unfolds, the Ghanaian music industry eagerly awaits the outcome of these discussions, which could mark a significant milestone in Shatta Wale’s journey back to the VGMA stage.