The Ghanaian music scene witnessed a surge of controversy following the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), particularly surrounding the “Group of the Year” category. KECHE Global, a prominent music duo, publicly expressed their disappointment after losing the coveted award to gospel group Team Eternity Ghana. In an interview with Hitz FM, KECHE members Andrew Kofi Cudjoe and Joshua Kojo Ampah vehemently argued that their consistent output of hit songs and their overall contribution to the Ghanaian music industry throughout the year made them the clear frontrunners for the award. They felt their track record of success and their impact on the music landscape should have been recognized with the accolade. Their disappointment was palpable, suggesting a sense of injustice in the award’s allocation.
KECHE’s contention wasn’t solely based on their perception of their own merit. They further fueled the controversy by questioning the legitimacy of Team Eternity Ghana’s winning song, “Defe Defe.” The duo highlighted allegations of copyright infringement surrounding the track, claiming that Team Eternity Ghana had faced legal action and ultimately settled with the original composer of the song. This raised concerns about the VGMA’s criteria for selecting winners, particularly whether due diligence was conducted regarding the legal standing of nominated songs. The implication was that a song embroiled in copyright controversy shouldn’t have been eligible for, let alone win, such a prestigious award.
Adding another layer to the narrative, KECHE revealed their active involvement in lobbying for the reinstatement of the “Group of the Year” category after its previous absence from the VGMA. They explained that they had championed the return of this category, believing it was vital for recognizing and celebrating group efforts in the music industry. This made their loss sting even more, as they felt they were not only denied deserved recognition but also deprived of an award they had actively campaigned for. The irony of advocating for the award’s return only to be overlooked in its revival year added a significant dimension to their disappointment.
The controversy surrounding the “Group of the Year” award highlights several key issues within the Ghanaian music industry and the VGMA itself. First, it exposes the subjective nature of award judging and the potential for differing opinions on artistic merit. While KECHE believed their contributions were superior, the judges ultimately favored Team Eternity Ghana, illustrating the inherent challenges in objectively assessing artistic value. Second, the copyright controversy surrounding “Defe Defe” raises questions about the scrutiny applied to nominated works and the responsibility of award organizers to ensure the integrity of winning entries.
Furthermore, the debate sparked by KECHE’s comments underscores the importance of transparency and clear communication of award criteria. This includes not only the musical aspects being judged but also any ethical or legal considerations that might influence the decision-making process. Greater transparency would help mitigate controversies and maintain public trust in the integrity of the awards. Finally, this incident highlights the passion and competitive spirit within the Ghanaian music industry, where artists invest significant effort in their craft and naturally desire recognition for their work.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the 2023 VGMA “Group of the Year” award serves as a microcosm of the complexities within the music industry. KECHE’s vocal disappointment, coupled with the copyright controversy surrounding the winning song, underscores the need for greater transparency, stricter vetting processes, and clearer communication of judging criteria within award shows. Furthermore, it highlights the broader debate on artistic merit and the challenges of objectively assessing creative contributions. This incident ultimately presents an opportunity for the Ghanaian music industry and the VGMA to engage in constructive dialogue and implement improvements that will further enhance the credibility and fairness of these prestigious awards.
