The CEO of Charterhouse, the organizers of the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), has stated that her organization is ready to speak with rapper Shatta Wale and his team about his comeback to the award system.
In an interview with Joy FM, Theresa Ayoade stated that the removal of the ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy prompted the latter’s team to convene to discuss how they could collaborate for the industry’s growth.
“We are open to a conversation…We want to be as inclusive as possible…We are happy to sit around the table and have a decent conversation, which is what we did with Stonebwoy’s team. We are happy to have a conversation but as decent as adults and mature people,”
Despite the removal of the ban imposed on him and Stonebwy following their public battle in 2019, the reggae and dancehall musician missed the 24th VGMA for the second time. Mrs. Ayoade stated that as industry collaborators, they want to ensure their scheme is followed.
“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,” she said.
Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were barred from attending the VGMAs indefinitely in 2019 following a public incident in which Stonebwoy brandished a gun on stage.
After multiple reconciliation meetings, Stonebwoy has since returned to the award program, winning Afropop Song of the Year and Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year at the 24th VGMA, however Shatta Wale is yet to return.
