Dancehall artist Stonebwoy has stated that he has no rival in this year’s competition, despite virtually checking all the boxes in the category and having a strong belief that he will become the first artist to win the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) Artiste of the Year (AOTY) award back-to-back.
Although he is competing for the TGMA top prize once more this year against formidable opponents like King Promise, Black Sherif, Kweku Smoke, Joe Mettle, King Paluta, and Team Eternity Ghana, Stonebwoy, the current TGMA Artiste of the Year, feels that it is a done deal for him.
“The Artiste of the Year is the Artiste(s) judged by the Academy, Board, and the General Public as the artist with the highest audience appeal and popularity in the year under review,” states the category’s definition.
The artist or artists must be among the most nominated artists in the year in question, and they must have had a successful single, EP, or album.
The Jiggle and Whine artist stood tall in terms of work completed in the reviewed year, according to Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, Head of Public Relations for Burniton Music Group (BMG), Stonebwoy’s record label, in an interview with Graphic Showbiz.
“With regard to the category definition that places premium on the artiste with the highest audience appeal and highest nominations, no one in that category beats Stonebwoy.”
“First, Stonebwoy has three major hits, Psalm 23, Ekelebe and Jiggle and Whine on the Up and Runnin6 album and they have been nominated in various categories in this year’s TGMAs. This is a record no artiste in the calendar year can boast of.”
“Imagine a solid 13-track album which features Wyclef Jean, Spice, Odumodublvck, Ginton IR Sais, Duncan Mighty, Amaria BB, which has gained popularity not only in Ghana but the Caribbeans and globally.”
“Also, this year, Stonebwoy had eight nominations, making him the highest nominee in this year’s TGMA, and none of his contenders in AOTY category beats that record.”
“His street credibility is unmatched, his shows are always sold out not just in Ghana but his recent tour in the UK proves his appeal beyond our country,” she said.
Ms. Boateng contended that it is unnecessary to continue the discussion and thoughts about why Stonebwoy shouldn’t be the favorite because he has already won twice and younger artists should be had the opportunity to brag this year.
She warned industry participants not to be influenced by the fervent opinions of artists’ fans, adding that the award is presented on the basis of merit.
“For those saying that he’s won it before so he should leave it for the youngsters, let them understand that Stonebwoy’s brand is built on hard work and consistency. His consistency has made him the people’s favourite performer and Ghana’s biggest music export. We shouldn’t compromise on consistency just to reward new entrants into the AOTY category,” she stated.
Stonebwoy commended the other nominees and described Artiste of the Year as healthy competition, pointing out that such creative competition should be promoted.
Following a triumphant Up and Runnin6 performance in London, where he packed the 02 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Stonebwoy thanked Live Nation for the collaboration that helped make the event a success.
“This wasn’t my first time performing in the UK but this live concert brought refreshing connection to the fans in U.K who cut across natives of the Caribbean, Nigeria, Ghana and the U.K,” he said.
Source: newsthemegh.com