Noella Wiyalaa, a talented Ghanaian Afro pop singer, dancer, and songwriter, recently expressed her views on the annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) organized by Charterhouse. According to her, the prestigious music awards ceremony primarily focuses on artists based in Accra, the capital of the Greater Accra region.
During a recent interview on “The North” Podcast with Prince Hamdan Banang, Wiyaala explained that the selection criteria for VGMAs nominees disqualifies her, leading her to stop submitting nominations. She highlighted that one of the criteria involves having one’s songs played on all radio stations in Accra, which is challenging for her due to her choice of language.
Also Read: Full list of winners at the 24th VGMA
Wiyaala stated, “In my heart, I believe VGMA is trying to get all of us involved. But let’s not deceive ourselves; it’s evident what VGMA is all about. You have to be in Accra, and your songs have to be popular in Accra.” She further emphasized that although she may be incredibly popular in the North, where she hails from, the dominance of Accra-based radio stations limits exposure to her songs. Additionally, she noted the lack of understanding and willingness among DJs and listeners to engage with music in her native language.
Wiyaala’s comments shed light on her perception that the VGMA awards primarily cater to artists and songs based in Accra, creating challenges for those outside the capital to gain recognition. The interview raises important questions about the inclusivity and representation of artists from different regions in music awards ceremonies and the potential limitations faced by artists who don’t conform to specific criteria or regional preferences.
