The organizers of the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Charterhouse, have officially announced a landmark partnership with Shaxi, the ride-hailing service closely affiliated with the influential dancehall artist, Shatta Wale.
This collaboration sets a historic precedent. It marks the first occasion where a business entity spearheaded by the artist himself has ascended to the role of co-organizer for the nation’s most prestigious music awards ceremony.
Crucially, this alliance is being hailed as a profound act of reconciliation. It effectively draws a line under the six-year period of intense friction that characterized the relationship between Shatta Wale and Charterhouse, stemming from the infamous incident at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in 2019.
From Conflict to Collaboration
The tensions originated during the 2019 VGMA ceremony. Following the announcement of Stonebwoy as the winner of the Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year award, a confrontation erupted between the entourages of the two artists, leading to a physical altercation that forced the temporary suspension of the live broadcast and the event itself.
In the aftermath, both musicians faced severe sanctions: they were indefinitely banned from participating in the awards and were subsequently stripped of the accolades they had previously received at the VGMA 2019 event. Furthermore, police intervention resulted in both parties signing an agreement prohibiting them from performing together—a measure that starkly underscored the deep division within the music scene at the time.
Now, the narrative arc appears complete. The strategic partnership between Shatta Wale and Charterhouse, facilitated by Shaxi, fundamentally alters his role within the ecosystem. He transitions from being a mere sponsor to becoming a strategic stakeholder, positioned to exert influence over the development of the awards scheme and the broader music industry.
“True unity begins when the past serves as a lesson, rather than a barrier,” stated one of the TGMA organizers, reflecting on the significance of the new collaboration.
A New Chapter for the Music Industry
Shaxi has already demonstrated its commitment to social impact. The company previously signed an agreement with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), successfully generating thousands of job opportunities. As part of this initiative, the first 2,000 drivers received monthly fuel coupons valued at GHC 500.
Its involvement in the TGMA now unlocks significant potential for economic and cultural synergy, linking the entertainment sector directly with tangible community development initiatives.
The TGMA 2026 ceremony, scheduled for May 2026, is anticipated to be more than just an awards show. It is poised to symbolize the maturation and renewal of Ghana’s music community. Charterhouse, which established the awards back in 1999, continues its forward trajectory, focusing on initiatives ranging from establishing the Ghanaian Music Hall of Fame to integrating innovative partnership formats that enhance the nation’s cultural legacy.
Reports indicate that the initial efforts toward rapprochement between the previously estranged parties began shortly after the 2019 events. Key figures within the industry, notably singer Wendy Shay, played a crucial role by initiating a personal meeting between the artists.
These persistent efforts set the foundation for a new operational philosophy: one where dialogue replaces confrontation, and constructive creation supersedes lingering resentment. The music industry, in this sense, proves once again that it transcends boundaries, uniting hearts through shared sound.