Winning VGMA award not a competition —Rocky Dawuni

REGARDLESS of his global exploits and being a three-time Grammys nominee, Ghanaian Reggae Artiste Rocky Dawuni has never received a nod at the annual prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) organised by Charterhouse for the past 24 years.

The ‘jinx’ is broken and the In Ghana artiste has bagged a nomination in the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year category at the upcoming VGMA.

While the nomination should obviously be good news for Rocky since it is his first by a recognised Ghanaian awards scheme, and probably a good chance to earn his first VGMA award, he told Graphic Showbiz that winning awards is not a competition since it doesn’t prove his music prowess.

He mentioned that he has made significant investment and gains in the music industry globally and awards do not, in any way, validate his creative works.

 “Awards are not competition for me, including that of VGMA. It is a recognition of works that artistes have created and an opportunity to honour and celebrate each creativity. It is always a good feeling for me to stand alongside my friends and brothers. That is why I don’t regard the VGMA as competition,” he said.

Rocky Dawuni is vying for the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year against Ras Kuuku, Epixode, Stonebwoy and Samini, who are strong contenders as previous winners of the category.

This obviously poses a great threat to Rocky’s chances of walking home with the Dancehall/Reggae Artiste of the Year award, but he says there was no better time than now to be recognised in his home country.

“Of course, they are very strong contenders, but I’m certain there is no better time than now to have this nomination. That is why I am always filled with gratitude for all blessings.

“The year under review has been amazing for me as a musician, with my third Grammy nomination for the song Neva Bow Down, and playing a host of concerts around the world. It has contributed to enhancing my personal profile and shooting up the presence of Ghanaian music around the world in many ways,” he told Graphic Showbiz.

Rocky Dawuni is known for songs such as In Ghana, Jammin Nation, Jerusalem, Akwaaba, among others. He is also admired for his humanitarian work with the United Nations, where he is the Regional UN Goodwill Ambassador.