VGMA: Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy brawl good - Baako

Veteran Ghanaian journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako has said last weekends brawl between rival dancehall artistes, Shatta wale and Stonebwoy at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) will present a lot of lessons for Ghana.

The Editor in Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper opined that the chaotic scene between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy that almost marred the 20th edition of the annual VGMA will stir up a national conversation on security at public events.

Mr. Baako who chided the two award winning artistes while contributing on Joy News' Newsfile said the two had dented the country’s image.

He stressed that there is a big question mark on the Ghanaian entertainment industry which needs to be addressed immediately.

He listed music greats such as Alfred Bannerman, Hugh Masekela, Pat Thomas, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Amakye Dede and Osibisa and stated that “Those were the days…descent disciplined artistes. What really happened to us?”

Mr Baako noted that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale’s followers are in the millions and they are doing well for themselves but he believes “they could if they had positioned themselves very well, serve as a catalyst for growing the Ghanaian entertainment industry…if they exercise a certain level self-discipline.”

He expressed the worry that, “the Ghanaian entertainment industry image, there is a question mark…with the collateral repercussion on our own national image. I am not saying it is that bad but the implications. Charterhouse’s own brand that they’ve built over the years,” including the artistes, who he says now has a question mark on their profiles.

Dancehall artistes, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy clashed at the event that was taking place at the Accra International Conference Center disrupting the show for several minutes.

The brawl occurred after Shatta Wale and his entourage tried going up the stage when Stonebwoy was being presented with his award for Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year.