American based Ghanaian musician Vudumane has recently expressed his disappointment with the organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards for not recognizing Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora.
Vudumane, who has produced some legendary hits, including “Odo Wuo” Nyankonton, which features renowned highlife musician, Kwabena Kwabena, believes that the awards scheme and industry discussions should include Ghanaian musicians living abroad.
According to him, awards schemes in Ghana targeted to award creatives should start looking beyond our borders.
We are out here doing what we love, some of us outside are doing better music than most back home, and it’s so disappointing to see your own people, Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, 3Music etc. sideline you during panel discussions, awards shows etc. Vudumane stated
He believes that these musicians outside should be given the same recognition and respect as their counterparts in Ghana.
Vudumane is not alone in his criticism of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Many other Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora have expressed their dissatisfaction with awards scheme not involving them.
This has led to many Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora feeling ignored and undervalued.
Clearly, awards scheme organizers need to be more inclusive and recognize the hard work and dedication of Ghanaian musicians in the diaspora.
It is time for awards scheme to recognize the hard work and dedication of Ghanaian musicians outside. Vudumane added