It was all thrills and surprises at the 9th edition of the MTN/Ghana Music Awards night at the National Theatre, Accra, as sensational Kwaw Kesse (unofficial King of Streetism) swept four prizes, including the Artiste of the Year.

And not quite surprising, Abodam, as Kwaw Kesse is popularly known, dedicated his haul, including Hiplife Album of the Year, Hiplife Artiste of the Year and Hiplife Song of the Year to all chaps struggling to eke a living off the streets, asserting that the recognition done him was a dream come true.

He had attended the ceremony hopeful of a haul, and as he picked the first in the list, he was confident enough to announce on stage that he indeed had come with a basket to collect his due, and as he strolled on and off the stage, the crowd just could not help cheering their hero. And the straight talker will not stop there, and added that it is the ‘dough’ (cash) he needed most.

Earlier on at the industry awards held on Wednesday, his Producers, Mad Time Entertainment, picked the Record Label of the Year, making him the biggest winner for the year.

It was an entertaining night, with several class actors taking turns to shake the crowd and as always, there were some controversies as some awards went to recipients the crowd did not expect.

Female Vocal Performance of the Year for instance, drew some roar from the audience just as the Discovery of the Year and the Song of the year. But that was usual, wasn’t it?

Awards List

Ohemaa Mercy of Edin Jesus took up three awards; Album of the Year, Gospel Artiste of the Year and Gospel Album of the Year.

Pastor Lenny Akpadie Most High God scooped up the Gospel Song of the Year as well as Song of the Year awards.

Others winners were Shasha Marley who picked up two awards for Male Vocal Performance and Reggae Song of the Year.

Silky Ofori Amponsah who swept six awards last year, managed two awards this time around and was still grateful for the honours, for according to him, he had counted himself out of reckoning and was at the event only to perform.

Ofori Amponsah picked the Highlife Song of the Year and Highlife Artiste of the Year.

Pop Song of the Year and Discovery of the Year went to 5five for their song African Girls.

Irene and Jane won Female Vocal Performance of the Year, with Cee, Isaac and Ampong picking the Best Collaboration for their song Ewurade Asem. Highlife Album of the Year went to Adani Best with Record of the Year going to Becca.

Rap Star Ja Rule honoured for his contributions to world music and also for appearing at the awards while UK Pop and R&B singer, Keisha White who is in the country for a collaboration project with Becca, also received an award in the same vein.

Kenya’s Nameless and the Nigerian duo, P Square, were among performers who thrilled the large audience.


Authored: Kwesi Hazel