The late dancehall and Afro-pop star Priscilla Opoku Kwarteng, known as Ebony Reigns, was posthumously named Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Artiste of the Year. She became both the first woman to earn the top honour since the VGMA began and the first artiste to receive the award after passing away.
Ebony won the category over major acts such as Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy and Sarkodie. While many supported her win, others felt it was influenced by sympathy.
Highlife musician Lotty is among those who believe Ebony received the 2018 Artiste of the Year title not because of merit but out of compassion. Speaking to BrownGH TV, Lotty argued that the award was sympathy-driven, especially given the male dominance in the music industry.
She added that male artistes continue to dominate awards because many female artistes focus more on their image than their craft. According to her, once female musicians prioritise developing their talent, they will stand a better chance of competing more strongly.
