Stonebwoy blames past experiences for VGMA gun stunt

REGGAE/Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has blamed his past experiences for the reasons why he pulled a gun on stage at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in the early hours of Sunday, May 19.

In a statement, Stonebwoy said attacks on him and his loved ones, especially on his wife during the 2017 edition of his Ashaiman to The World concert gave him no choice than to react the way he did.

He said being “a victim of incessant vilification and physical attacks,” had caused a trauma he was yet to escape from.

“My past trauma and my heightened senses are however no excuses for my behaviour – no matter the provocation. Other lives were at stake and Ghana’s reputation was also at stake," he said.


Below is the full statement
I would like to extend my sincerest apologies and deepest regrets for my conduct at what should have been the biggest celebration of Ghanaian music last night.

In seeking to entertain Ghanaians, I have been the victim of incessant vilification and physical attacks in recent times. My own dear wife has in the past suffered a knife attack at a concert – an attack that had been meant for me and which resulted in her being rushed to a hospital.

Such unfortunate incidents have clearly had an impact on me and have resulted in my having a heightened sense of alertness.

Violence can easily result in trauma – especially violence against those closest to us. This sense of alertness for my personal security and that of my loved ones, unfortunately, resulted in my behaviour at the just ended 20th edition of the VGMAs.

I have been going through difficult times despite the gains my team and I have made musically in raising high the flag of Ghana and also at the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

My past trauma and my heightened senses are however no excuses for my behaviour – no matter the provocation. Other lives were at stake and Ghana’s reputation was also at stake.

I am taking remedial measures to ensure that there will never be a repetition of such actions or insecurity whenever I am in a public place. These include improving the security measures within my team and also undergoing counselling to deal with past violent incidents against me and my family.

These immediate actions are to ensure that such acts do not recur, nor in any way affect my person or my professional performance.

I hereby wish to render an unqualified apology to event organizers Charterhouse Ghana for marring a rather beautiful event, which was streamed across the continent and indeed the world.

It is my ardent hope that the show will be remembered for the showcase and appreciation of talents and not the few minutes of regretful madness. I will continue working with Charterhouse and hope this won’t in any way affect my relationship with them.

To Vodafone Ghana, my sincerest apologies to you for bringing your brand to a low moment like this.   As artistes, we appreciate what you invest and continue to invest in our talents. We hope you will continue to support Ghanaian music.

To all Ghanaians I ask for your forgiveness. The Stonebwoy you know always comes in peace and I will advocate for peace.

I appreciate your understanding and again, I am really and truly sorry.