Stonebwoy: I'm the undisputed 2019 TGMA Artiste of the Year, step forward if you disagree

Ghanaian Reggae and Dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has defended his claim to the 2019 Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year title, which was never officially announced.

In an interview on 'The Portfolio' podcast with MC Portfolio, Ghanaian music icon and reigning TGMA Artiste of the Year, Stonebwoy stood firm on his assertion as the rightful 2019 Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year, despite the award not being officially presented. 

In an interview on 'The Portfolio' podcast with MC Portfolio today, Stonebwoy reaffirmed his conviction, highlighting his outstanding achievements and reinforcing his claim to the coveted title.

“I have boldly spoken about the three times, and I will continue to speak up until anyone doubts to speak otherwise.

“I have accepted that it is three times already, and I'm gladly rallying it around, giving a lot of credit and placing importance on the Ghana Music Awards. So, as for that one, I'm confident about it. I'm not dragging it with them.

“How deep can it get when Kwame Sefa Kayi, DJ Black, and myself are in the know? It is not about me proving it now. It’s about those who want to prove otherwise. 

“If anyone thinks otherwise, they should also boldly come out and claim that they are the winners as well." (More articles on Stonebwoy: I've got 50 more years to make waves in the industry – Stonebwoy, Stonebwoy grabs degree in Public Administration from GIMPA, EDITOR’S LENS: Timely reminder to Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale to tread cautiously)

Background

The 2019 VGMAs were marred by controversy when a physical altercation broke out between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, resulting in the highly-anticipated Artiste of the Year title being withheld. 

The incident occurred after Stonebwoy was declared Dancehall Artiste of the Year, prompting Shatta Wale to storm the stage with his entourage, leading to a brawl and Stonebwoy brandishing a gun. 

Both artists were banned from the awards scheme, leaving the category unannounced. 

Fast forward to the 2024 VGMAs, where Stonebwoy, fresh from his Telecel Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year win, reignited the debate, claiming he was the rightful winner of the 2019 Artiste of the Year title. 

He called on Charterhouse to formally recognise him as the 2019 winner, exuding confidence in his deservingness of the award.

Stonebwoy's claim to the 2019 Artiste of the Year title has been met with resistance from industry insiders, who contend that he cannot lay claim to the award since it was never officially bestowed upon him. 

Nevertheless, Stonebwoy remains resolute in his assertion, maintaining that he is a three-time winner of the prestigious TGMA Artiste of the Year award.