VGMA organisers have announced nominees for the “Artist of the Decade” category. It comprises the A- List acts Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Samini, Okyeame Kwame, R2Bees, and gospel singer Joe Mettle, whose addition is bound to stir up some controversy.

Other contenders in that category are the gospel band No Tribe, and the singing divas Efya and Becca.

While the “Artist of the Year” category remains the most coveted, this category will be closely followed too. All nominees in this category  are multiple VGMA laureates. In 2009, which is the other time the category was up for contention, music maestro, Kojo Antwi picked up the award.

This year marks 20 years of the scheme’s existence, and sees the creme of Ghana’s music industry compete for laurels across a dozen categories. Unsurprisingly, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale, who have maintained the most impact in the country over several years, remain fixtures in multiple categories, including the coveted Artist of the Year spot. King Promise, Joe Mettle, and Kuami Eugene are the other contenders in that category.

While the scheme, put together by Charterhouse Ghana, has faced some criticism due to the absence of some names in this year’s scheme, the overwhelming sentiment among stakeholders is that nominations have been fairly distributed among deserving acts.

The Rapper of the Year category, Reggae/ Dancehall category, and Song of the Year spots are easily the most keenly contested, and only a few votes will distinguish the winners.

Medikal, Kwesi Arthur, KiDi, Samini, Wendy Shay, Luigi Maclean, Kelvyn Boy, Yaa Pono, Dada Hafco, Adina, Kumi Guitar, Obibini, Quamina MP, DopeNation, WizKid, Cassper Nyovest, Davido, and Sauti Sol all look to win awards at this year’s edition, slated for May 18.