Ace broadcaster, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, popularly known in the media fraternity as, ‘Abeiku Santana’, has bemoaned Charterhouse’s decision to indefinitely ban Ghanaian Dancehall icons, Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, from participating in the Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA), stating that it is too harsh.
According to Charterhouse, organizers of the VGMAs, the two artists breached the code of conduct of the scheme.
Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse, explained that “indefinite ban means pending good behavior.”
Speaking on Happy FM’s ‘Epa Hoa Daben’ show, Abeiku Santana said “Charterhouse should have been considerate. Banning Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy indefinitely is too harsh. Though what they did is very wrong and must be condemned, banning them indefinitely is not the option. At least 2 or 3 years ban is okay but indefinitely is too harsh.”
“But I also feel that this decision was arrived to protect Charterhouse’s image because their partners, sponsors and everyone is waiting to see the type of punishment they will give to these two artist so to protect their image they concluded on that decision,” he said.
He added that going forward, “Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale should reach out to Charterhouse and apologize.”
The awards these two popular artistes won at the just ended VGMAs have been annulled. They have also been ordered to return all the plaques they received at the event.
Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy were both arrested by the police on Sunday over a brawl that erupted between their camps at the 20th anniversary of the VGMA.
Pandemonium broke out shortly after Stonebwoy was announced the winner of ‘Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year’ when Shatta Wale and his team stormed the stage.
Shatta Wale, later claimed that he was going on stage to congratulate Stonebwoy. The two artistes were later released on Monday.
By: Joseph Nii Ankrah