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The VGMA is all about honouring Accra-based artistes – Wiyaala

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The VGMA is all about honouring Accra-based artistes - Wiyaala

Wiyaala, a Ghanaian Afro-pop singer-songwriter, has expressed her dissatisfaction with Charterhouse’s annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), claiming that the prestigious event primarily recognises and promotes musicians based in Accra.

Wiyaala who was a guest on The North Podcast with Prince Hamdan Banang disclosed that the VGMAs have established criteria for selecting nominees that she believes disqualify her, consequently leading her to cease submitting nominations.

Wiyaala, 36, revealed that one of the key criteria for nomination is massive airplay on radio stations in Accra, a requirement that proves unattainable for her due to her choice of language.

The ‘Feeling Free’ singer sings in her home tongue Sissala and Waala dialects and English, frequently merging all three languages within her songs

“In my heart, I believe VGMA is trying to get all of us involved. But let’s not tickle and make and make a fool of ourselves,” Wiyaala expressed candidly. “It’s very obvious and glaring what VGMA is all about. You have to be in Accra and your songs have to be popular in Accra. There are songs that were never popular in the North, but they made it, and the criteria keep changing. It’s their rules and regulations if you cannot follow them, you shouldn’t enter,”

Wiyaala, who lives in the Upper West area, emphasised the absence of concerted attempts to present singers from other regions whose songs may be unfamiliar owing to linguistic issues.

This omission contradicts the VGMA’s stated goal of commemorating musicians from across Ghana since it focuses disproportionately on certain groups in specific parts of the nation.

“I can be as popular as any artist in the Northern region, but since the program is Accra-based and most of the radio stations are Accra-based, it’s only natural that they predominantly feature songs from Accra. Most DJs do not comprehend our songs, and many people are unwilling to understand them,” Wiyaala explained.

However, the singer-songwriter has already received VGMA accolades such as Songwriter of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performance.

As of this publication, Charterhouse and the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards have not addressed these issues, and it remains to be seen whether they would take efforts to ensure equal representation for musicians from all parts of the nation.

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KODA’s family breaks silence over his demise

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"As we grapple with the shock and grief of this loss, we humbly request privacy during this profoundly challenging time to heal and mourn as a family," a family statement read in part. The acclaimed musician passed away on April 21, 2024, following a brief illness. KODA, 45, leaves behind a wife. Meanwhile, the family has stated that details on his memorial and burial arrangements would be provided soon.

The family of gospel artist Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto, also known as KODA, has officially announced his death.

In these trying times, the family has asked for privacy as they grieve their beloved son and come to grips with his unexpected death.

“KODA’s abrupt passing has left us heartbroken and grieved, and we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from colleagues, friends, fans, and loved ones.

“As we grapple with the shock and grief of this loss, we humbly request privacy during this profoundly challenging time to heal and mourn as a family,” a family statement read in part.

The acclaimed musician passed away on April 21, 2024, following a brief illness.

KODA, 45, leaves behind a wife.

Meanwhile, the family has stated that details on his memorial and burial arrangements will be provided soon.

Below is the statement

In loving memory of Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto (KODA).

The Dua-Anto Family, Ewurama Dua-Anto, the Osae and Dankwa Families, and ALL of the Allied Families sincerely announce the tragic death of their son, brother, nephew, and husband, Kofi Owusu Dua-Anto (KODA), on Sunday, April 21, 2024, following a brief illness.

The abrupt loss of KODA has left us heartbroken and grieved, and we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from colleagues, friends, fans, and loved ones.

As we grapple with the shock and grief of this loss, we humbly request privacy during this profoundly challenging time to heal and mourn as a family.

We kindly invite you to visit www.kodasmemorial.com which will be accessible shortly with information on his memorial and funeral arrangements.

KODA’s legacy will endure, resonating throughout eternity.

“Blessed are those who die in the LORD from henceforth: Yea, saith the SPIRIT, that they may rest from their Labours, and their Works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13). AMEN

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More celebs come up about their fight with G6PD insufficiency following KODA’s death

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G6PD deficiency is a disorder in which the body lacks or does not produce enough G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), an enzyme required for red blood cell activity. Karen recounted her personal experience, revealing that she found her G6PD Deficiency after a thorough lab test when pregnant with her son six years ago. Tests subsequently revealed that she had passed on the illness to her kid.

Following the death of gospel artist KODA, more celebrities have stepped out to discuss their experiences with G6PD Deficiency, shining awareness on the obstacles that people with this illness endure.

Cynthia Tima Yeboah, often known as Tima Kumkum, a presenter and businesswoman, and Karen Kash Kane have spoken openly about their personal experiences with the illness.

Prior to his death, KODA revealed that he had been given improper medicine for eight months since physicians failed to diagnose his G6PD Deficiency, resulting in a worsening in his health.

G6PD deficiency is a disorder in which the body lacks or does not produce enough G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), an enzyme required for red blood cell activity.

Karen recounted her personal experience, revealing that she found her G6PD Deficiency after a thorough lab test when pregnant with her son six years ago.

Tests subsequently revealed that she had passed on the illness to her kid.

Karen emphasised the measures she takes to manage the disease, which include avoiding malaria medicines and sulfur-containing goods like naphthalene balls.

Tima Kumkum also discussed her own experiences with G6PD Deficiency.

She emphasised the gravity of her experience, claiming that it nearly killed her, which inspired her to form her charity to raise awareness about the ailment.

The duo plan to increase their campaigning for the disease in order to save more lives.

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Ghanaian Gospel musician KODA reportedly dead

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KODA, a multi-talented performer noted for his songwriting, record production, and soulful voice, was a popular figure in Ghana's gospel scene. His most recent album, "Keteke," which debuted in January 2021, was a critical and financial triumph. He is recognised for his contagious energy and the lessons of optimism and resilience that his music conveys. The family expects to disclose further information about the reason of his sickness and funeral plans soon.

KODA, a popular gospel artist, has allegedly died.

A family source revealed to GhanaWeekend that Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, as he was born, died on Sunday morning after a brief illness.

KODA, a multi-talented performer noted for his songwriting, record production, and soulful voice, was a popular figure in Ghana’s gospel scene.


His most recent album, “Keteke,” which debuted in January 2021, was a critical and financial triumph. He is recognised for his contagious energy and the lessons of optimism and resilience that his music conveys.

The family expects to disclose further information about the reason of his sickness and funeral plans soon.

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