The countdown to the second edition of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards (GRDA) has begun, as thriving artistes will be recognised while efforts to sustain the genre are implemented.
The major awards gala, slated for December 15, 2024, would bring together some of Ghana’s top Reggae/Dancehall artistes as they are awarded in 30 categories.
Nominations for the year of review will open on October 10, 2024, and industry players will have until November 30, 2024, to submit their works.
Mr. Daniel Yeboah, the awards’ coordinator, thanked all stakeholders who had supported the awards system during the media launch in Accra on Thursday.
He mentioned that reggae/dancehall music has been one of the backbones of the Ghanaian music industry since the 1970s and continues to thrive to date.
Mr Yeboah also urged support from the corporate world to come on board and support the worthy course of celebrating thriving artistes in the genre.
Daddy Bosco, a Board Member of the awards scheme, mentioned the long history of Reggae in Ghana following its debut in 1969 by legendary Nana Ampadu.
‘Reggae and dancehall have a great history in Ghana, thereby the need to celebrate artiste who have helped it thrive over the years.
‘It is important we celebrate the founder of the awards scheme, Black Messiah, who came up with the idea of rewarding people who have sustained the genre,’ he said.
He stated their dedication to ensuring fairness in awarding artistes, which would be done by the Academy in consultation with the Board as well as votes from the public.
Chizzy Wailer, a representative from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), declared their support for the awards and would ensure their success once again.
Wailer, who was once the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards in 2009, stated the need to sustain the genre and make it more relevant.
A workshop on reggae/dancehall is expected to be organised on December 13, 2024, as part of activities marking this year’s awards.
Source: Ghana News Agency