Two controversial dancehall musician, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, have been handed an indefinite ban by the board of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
The decision was announced during a press briefing on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at Alisa Hotel in Accra.
Veteran musician Amanzeba Nat Brew who is the VGMA Board Chairman led the board to make the announcement, adding that the decision was made in consultation with stakeholders.
“The board of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, deem the actions of Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy to be flouted the terms and conditions of the scheme, brought the name of the event into disrepute,” he said.
“Both musicians are hereby banned indefinitely from participating in the nominations, selections and performances at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards scheme.”
He further stated that Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy has been stripped of all the awards they won at the 20th edition and asked them to immediately return all plaques in their possession to Charterhouse Productions – the organisers of the award scheme.
The remaining unannounced awards; “Song of the Year” and “Artiste of the Year”, have been nullified by the board, and wouldn’t go to any of the nominees.
He thanked all the stakeholders who helped to arrive at the aforementioned decisions.
Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy’s heavy ban comes following a brawl that broke at the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held at the Accra International Conference.
During Stonebwoy’s acceptance speech for the “Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of The Year” award, the SM Empire label owner and his entourage stormed the stage and interrupted his speech which led to a brawl.
Stonebwoy brandished a shotgun during the commotion, causing fear and panic in the auditorium.
Both artistes are facing the law. They were granted Gh₵50,000 bail each with one surety after pleading not guilty to the charges by the Adjaben District Court, on Wednesday, May 22.
