‘We just want to make sure the scheme is respected’ – VGMA CEO on possibility of Shatta Wale’s return

The CEO of Charterhouse, the organization that oversees the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), has stated that her group is prepared to speak with rapper Shatta Wale and his team about his comeback to the award program.

Theresa Ayoade said during an interview on JoyNews that once Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy's ban was lifted, the latter's team answered their call, which sparked a discussion about how they could collaborate for the industry's expansion.

She claimed that despite their efforts to get in touch, Shatta Wale and his group had not made themselves available for any such chats to be had.

"We are up for talking...We want to be as inclusive as we can.We enjoy having good conversations while seated at the table, which is what we did with Stonebwoy's group. We are pleased to talk, but we want to do so in a manner befitting of adults and mature individuals, Mrs. Ayoade informed the host, Aisha Ibrahim.

This comes after Shatta Wale was absent from the 2019 VGMA once again, despite the removal of the 2019 ban imposed on him and Stonebwy following a brawl that broke out that evening.

The CEO of Charterhouse pointed out that despite their request for a truce, they want to ensure that their plan is respected because they work together in the sector.

Slandering and defaming the show is not accepted, according to Mrs. Ayoade, who added that it just undermines the effort they have already put in. Instead, the program encourages all opinions about the show and works to make sure it improves.

"We simply want to ensure that the plan is followed. Anyone who accepts to participate in the plan also commits to follow the plan's results. Most essential, please treat it with respect because we do the same for every musician. Because we work with the business as partners, the industry must also respect what we do, she stated on PM Express: Personality Profile.

Meanwhile, Shatta Wale indicated in a previous interview with Hitz FM that he would be open to participating in the program should the organizers get in touch with him.

"Shatta, we want to sit down with you and let you know we are ready with our nomination," they could say. "I feel like since they are the ones organizing it, there should be a nice approach to me," they said.

Background

After a fight between them ruined the 2019 ceremony, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale were permanently barred from the VGMAs.

Shatta Wale made an effort to enter the stage as the 'Activate' hitmaker was accepting the Reggae/Dancehall artiste award for the fifth time in a row.

He moved along with some Shatta Movement members, thus it was unclear why he was moving. People were shocked by his actions because he was also embroiled in a spat with Stonebwoy.

Later, there was a fight with Stonebwoy brandishing a gun. Later, Shatta Wale declared that he will congratulate Stonebwoy.

Following the altercation, the erstwhile opponents were also requested to return the trophies they had received as well as the awards they had won that evening.

Prior to the 2021 season of the show, the board has internally decided to lift its ban on Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy.

However, neither of the two submitted any work that year. Stoneboy submitted his work in 2022 and took home the Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year award.

Stonebwoy won accolades for Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year and Afropop Song of the Year in 2023.