MTN 11th GMA makes historical landmarkSarkodie Emerges `King of Ghana Music...Wins 5 awards on maiden appearance

For the first time in the music history of the country, the music industry has witnessed a historical landmark, which saw an artiste sweeping on his maiden appearance, five major awards right under the noses of veterans in the music industry, since the commencement of the Ghana Music Awards 11 years ago.

'One time for your mind' is his signature, and identifies him as the fastest and best rapper in the music industry. Undoubtedly, I am talking about no other person than Sarkodie, who has emerged 'King of Ghana Music.'

To his credit, he swept five awards - Artist of the Year; Discovery of the Year; Hip Hop/Hip Life Artiste of the Year; Best Rapper of the Year; and the last but not the least, Album of the Year.

And it is definite to assume that Hip Life/Hip Hop music would obviously be determining the growth and level of competition the industry seeks to bring forth to the international market.

Hip Life cannot be said to be dead with artistes such as Sarkodie, and arts and culture writers would be taking a closer look at this career, and how far he goes in the music industry.

With the music of Sarkodie it can be likened to a line from the song of the late reggae King, Bob Marley – 'One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.'

No doubt the dome of the Accra International Conference Centre witnessed the splendid performances of both international and local artistes.

This year's 11th Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Ghana Music Awards (GMA) awards night obviously gave Ghanaians their monies worth for staying up till the early hours of the next day, as they sang and danced all night long.

Abrantie Amakye Dede, ace high life musician, also known as 'Iron Boy or Serious,' made his presence felt that night with his opening life band performance.

The event commenced with a dazzling performance from Iron Boy, which electrified the dome of the Conference Centre. Mr. Serious invariably was at his best. 4x4, Wutah and Obrafour also got the crowd wild with excitement when they individually treated fans to unforgettable performances.

Aggressive VIP charged the stage with blistering intensity as they sang 'I think I like am', from their latest album.

Nana Boroo of 'Ahayede Bebi Awu' fame managed to thrill the crowd, as the audience could not help but sing and dance to his performance. Ruff and Smooth of Lynx Entertainment fame, who have received quite a lot of air play in the media, rocked the audience with their hit tracks 'Swagger' and Sex 'Machine.'

The dazzling event saw host actor and presenter Chris Attoh and radio presenter Doreen Andoh of Joy FM, presided over presentations by musicians, radio, sports film, and television personalities.

These are the winners of this year's 11th MTN GMA awards night: Artist of the Year, Sarkodie, Most Popular Song of the Year, Simple by Bradez, Discovery of the Year, Sakordie, Hip Hop/ Hip life Song of the Year, You Dey craze by Ayigbe Edem, Hip hop/ Hiplife artiste of the Year, Sakordie, Gospel song of the Year, 'Ayeyi Ndwom' by DSP Kofi Sarpong, Gospel Artiste of the Year, Ohemaa Mercy, Highlife Song of the Year, 'Kotosa' by Wutah, Highlife artiste of the year, Kofi B.,  Afro-Pop Song of the Year - World Trade Centre,  by 4x4, Reggae Song of the Year, 'Jah Will' by Wutah,  Best Collaboration of the Year, 'Kasibo' by Obrafour and Guru, Best Rapper of the year, Sarkodei, African Artist of the Year, Wande  Coal, Record Label of the Year, 'Daa Ke Daa' Sang by Becca, Album of the Year , 'Ma Kye' by Sarkodie, Songwriter of the Year, Kwabena Akwaboah for 'Daa ke Da by Becca, Best Female Vocal Performance PV (Wutah), Best Female Vocal Performance by Becca, Producer of the Year, Richie of Lynx Entertainment, World Bank Music for Development Award - 'School Dey Be' by Asem, Instrumentalist of the Year, John Osei Korankye and also MUISGA Merit Award, Abinfour Nana Yeboah (KK Number 2).