This year’s Ghana Music Awards
Nominee jams which took place over the weekend in Tamale will go down in
history as the most dramatic so far in the 15 years of VGMA. Right from the airport main artistes billed to perform including Samini, Sarkodie, Castro and other almost got stranded when officials of Africa World Airline (AWA) decided to leave the stars behind at the airport even though all the artistes were present before passengers began boarding because according to them "they had closed counter".
Mrs. Theresa Ayoade and George Quaye of Chaterhouse somehow were able to get the next available flight for all the artistes to arrive safely in Tamale on Saturday evening after the airline sorted out a technical problem which delayed the flight for almost an hour.
The much anticipated show started at about 9pm on Saturday evening April 5 as planned with some Tamale based artistes followed by new artistes Cabum, Eno, MzVee, Episode, AK Songstress and Strong man who have been selected for the “VGMA Unsung” competition. The new acts put up great performances to entertain the crowd.
Gospel sensation Joyce Blessing then took over the stage and turned the show into a big church. Immediately Joyce Blessing left the stage a very strong wind preceded a heavy rain storm which abruptly ended the show that was barely getting warmed up.
After the rain, organizers had no choice than to postpone the rest of the performances to the next day Sunday April 6 because all the equipments including the sound, light, LED screen, backdrops among other things were soaked in water. Even though Charterhouse-the organizers went through a hard time convincing remaining artistes; Samini, Sarkodie, Edem, Stonebowy and Castro to spend an extra day in Tamale, they agreed to wait for the love of their fans in Tamale.
On Sunday evening music fans gathered again in their thousands to continue from where they left off. The night saw memorable performances from these carefully selected artistes. Edem brought energy and precision on stage. Castro proved why he is still relevant and strong both in the studio and on stage after 15 years of doing music.
Fast rising dancehall crooner Stonebowy showed how fast he has matured from an underdog to becoming a great live band performer. His splendid performance attracted loud cheer from the crowd. Samini as always gave the crown just the right dose of his brand of music.
He communicated with his fans intermittently and surely got them to wave their handkerchiefs. He also gave a feel of authentic Fante Rap with live band by the new High Grade Family act Kofi Kinaata.
Sarkodie who undoubted is the most popular artiste in Tamale presently, turned the show upside down when he mounted the stage. The crowd rapped along every single song Sarkodie dropped as though they rehearsed with him. Sarkodie himself was touched by the genuine love his fans showed him.
It was almost a great show by all standards until something very serious and so sad ended the show just when Sarkodie was warming up.
Keep reading for video and pictorial details of what really happened at the Tamale Sports Stadium forecourt on Sunday April 6 between the Police and the crowd.
Checkout the exclusive pictures below:
No comments:
Post a Comment