VGMA needs to empower our Traditional Music genres, they best define the Ghanaian Sound – Israel Maweta

Every year after the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, there's always banter back and forth from diverse corners as to how ought to be done. This year however wasn't spared, the critiques were dozens as usual. 

Veteran Traditional Musician, Israel Maweta, has chided VGMA, Ghana's prestigious award scheme to give focus to Traditional Music. He previously won “Traditional Song Of The Year” at VGMA 2003 with his viral song “Akume He” (Dagger).

He lamented how Ghanaian Traditional Music and Folklore has dwindled over the years. Though he celebrates new forms of music and how they have been accepted by the music community, he is worried about how Traditional Music has been left to wither away, something that needs to be reversed, he says. 

In an interview he granted on Swiss 93.7FM in Ho with MC Flexal, he reiterated the need to pay attention more to the genre so it doesn't go extinct. Below is a snippet culled from that interview.

Watch Interview: 

Israel Maweta made a big comeback this March, after a 7-year hiatus, and drops a latest song he titles “I No Go Blame You”, an Afro-contemporary song which blends Traditional ensembles with choral and a touch of Amapiano. He is due to release some upcoming projects as well.

Stream Song on Digital Stores here: https://ditto.fm/inogoblameyou

Listen on Audiomack: https://audiomack.com/israelmaweta/song/i-no-go-blame-you

Watch Official Video here: https://youtu.be/LXjBhMjlZAM

Follow him on social media:

Facebook – Israel Maweta

Instagram – @MawetaMusic 

Twitter – @MawetaMusic 

SnapChat – @IsraelMaweta