The 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), held on Saturday, May 18, 2019, was a historic night that saw rap icon Sarkodie secure the prestigious Artiste of the Decade award. However, the event was overshadowed by an unprecedented brawl involving rivals Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale.
Artiste of the Decade
Sarkodie was adjudged Artiste of the Decade, cementing his position as the most dominant Ghanaian musician over the 10-year period under review (2009–2019). The Board selected him over nine other formidable acts:
- Nominees: Efya, R2Bees, Joe Mettle, No Tribe & Nacee, Shatta Wale, Okyeame Kwame, Stonebwoy, Samini, and Becca.
Sarkodie’s legacy was highlighted by his consistent excellence, five major independent albums (Makye, Rapperholic, Sarkology, Mary, and Highest), uncountable hit songs, and his successful international concerts at venues like the Apollo Theatre (US) and the Indigo O2 Arena (UK).
Selected List of Winners at the 20th VGMA
| Category | Winner | Song/Album |
| Artiste of the Decade | Sarkodie | |
| Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Stonebwoy | |
| Hiplife/Hip-pop Artiste of the Year | Medikal | |
| Highlife Artiste of the Year | Kuami Eugene | |
| Gospel Artiste of the Year | Diana Hamilton | |
| Best New Artiste | Wendy Shay | |
| Gospel Song of the Year | Diana Hamilton | ‘Mo Ne Yo’ |
| Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | Shatta Wale | ‘Gringo’ |
| Hip-hop Song of the Year | Kwesi Arthur | ‘Anthem’ |
| Album of the Year | Kuami Eugene | ‘Rockstar’ |
| African Artiste of the Year | Burna Boy | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dr Rev Mrs Mary Ghansah, Obuoba J.A. Adofo, Prof Kofi Abraham |
