The late Dancehall and Afro-pop star Priscilla Opoku Kwarteng (Ebony Reigns) made history at the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) by becoming the first woman to win the prestigious Artiste of the Year award and the first artiste to receive the honour posthumously.
Ebony won the top prize over major competitors, including Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and Joe Mettle. While her win was widely celebrated as a testament to her massive impact on Ghanaian music in 2017, it also drew criticism that sympathy influenced the decision.
Highlife musician Lotty is among those who publicly stated that Ebony received the 2018 Artiste of the Year title not because of merit, but out of compassion following her tragic death in February 2018.
Speaking to BrownGH TV, Lotty argued that the award was “sympathy-driven,” citing the male dominance in the music industry as a factor that usually prevents female artistes from winning the ultimate prize.
She further suggested that male artistes continue to dominate awards because many female musicians prioritize their image over their craft. Lotty advised that for female musicians to compete more strongly for top awards, they must first prioritize developing their talent:
“Once female musicians prioritise developing their talent, they will stand a better chance of competing more strongly.”
Despite the criticism, Ebony’s win was historic, and she was already a massive contender for the award based on her commercial success and hits like “Sponsor,” “Date Ur Fada,” and “Maame Hw3,” before her passing.
