Ghana Music Awards 2012
Ghana’s biggest night in music, the 13th annual Ghana Music Awards, aired live for the first time on Saturday night, April 14th. The show brought together the biggest acts in African music to receive their awards and support their fellow artists.
The show opened on a high note with gospel artist Cwesi Oteng performing his hit single “God Dey Bless Me” with legendary artist Lord Kenya. Tinsel actor Chris Attoh stylishly hosted the awards with co-host and comic relief of the night, Funny Face. Both had high energy in the beginning of the show, but failed to keep the adrenaline going throughout the awards.
The first award of the night, “Gospel Song of the Year,” went to Salina Boateng for “Me Nu Me Ho.” The next recipient was a bit of a shocker for “Reggae Song of the Year.” As the nominees were called, the obvious crowd favorite looked liked rapper Edem. To every one’s amazement, Blakk Rasta received the award. He addressed the crowd’s disappointment by saying that music is not just about having a good beat, but “about the consciousness that comes from your head.”
The show continued on with performances by Highlife great Ben Brako and rapper Yaa Pono, Ice Prince, Kaki and Stone Bouy. Sarkodie and Eyfa’s performances were the most anticipated of the night. Their act began with quite possibly the most adorable moment when two of Sarkodie and Efya’s protégés sung a rendition of the hit collaboration “I’m In Love With You Now.” After the kids’ heartfelt interpretation, Efya and Sarkodie came on stage and tore the house down. Efya followed that performance with a mind blowing delivery of “You Bring Out The Best In Me.” Sarkodie’s act, however, failed to meet expectations.
The biggest surprise of the night, or possibly just the biggest embarrassment, was when presenter Appietus announced the wrong winner for “Highlife Artist of the Year.” He quickly shifted his mistake and blamed it on the organizers of the event, Charter House. After the mishap, the mood shifted once the well known “Azonto” blasted through the speakers and three of our very own University of Ghana exchange students lit up the stage with their best versions of the dance.
Songstress Becca accepted her award for “Best Video of the Year” for “African Woman” in a beautiful yellow form-fitting gown that dazzled on stage. The highlights of the night were star studded performances by Buk Bak, 4×4, and Guru. Veteran group Buk Bak stole the show with their fiery performance of “Kolom,” which showed the newer artists what a real performance should look like.
The 2012 GMAs ended with an insane performance by Kwaw Kesse, who won the “Hiplife Artist of the Year” award for the song “Poppin.” Unsurprisingly, Sarkodie won the coveted “Artist of the Year” award for the second year in a row. He was accompanied on stage by his mother who celebrated her son’s victory by dancing the ever-so popular Azonto. The 2012 Ghana Music Awards had its up and downs, but still captivated an electrifying energy that undeniably has made a mark on the music world.
Words by Kendra D. Cusic
thelegonstar 