The nominees list for this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), released last Friday, March 15, continues to generate a lot of discussions among music enthusiasts and entertainment pundits.
While some are satisfied with the nominations, not everyone, including artistes are happy with it and one of them is Hiplife group, Praye.
One of the group’s members, Choirmaster, has since the list was released, used his social media handles to express his misgivings about the awards and has also blasted the organisers of the VGMA, Charterhouse.
In an interview with Showbiz, Choirmaster said he had come to the realisation that Charterhouse took delight in breaking the group’s heart by not giving them recognition when they deserved it.
Praye had been tipped for nomination in the Best Group of the Year category but were snubbed and Choirmaster said he was disappointed and heartbroken.
“This is not the first time Charterhouse is doing this to Praye because they always break our hearts when expectations are high.
“I quite remember in 2008 when Praye’s music was ruling the airwaves and Angelina and other songs were quite big, Charterhouse cheated us by giving Artiste of the Year to Okyeame Kwame.
“It broke our hearts and we nearly gave up on music but we encouraged ourselves and moved on. I have observed that has been their way and I’m surprised after holding this event for 20 years, they haven’t changed their fake awards scheme,” he stated.
Choirmaster, real name Eugene Baah, said even though the establishment of Ghana Music Awards was aimed at building Ghanaian music, it has rather become a curse to the industry’s growth and the organisers took interest in filling their pockets and awarding their friends and their cronies.
After a split which lasted about five years, Praye made up of Praye Tintin, Praye Honeho (Choirmaster) and Praye Tietia reunited last year and released three songs; ‘Disco Light’, ‘Adesua’ and ‘Gban Gbai.’
Choirmaster said he was particularly disappointed because Charterhouse begged them to perform last year because they believed in their brand.
“They know we are back and Praye as always is a force to reckon with that was why they appealed to us to perform last year.
“Besides, we performed at a number of big events including EIB Concert, YFM Area Code, Decemba 2Rememba, Adom TV Carols Festival, Olams End of Year party, Odwira Festival, Kwahu Bliss on the Hills, Grand finale of TV3’s Ghana’s Most Beautiful and a number of Christmas and New Year parties I can’t mention here.
“I doubt if Ghanaians even know some names in the Group of the Year category, talk less of their music. VGMA is 20 years so let’s support and promote good music,” he added.
