Stonebwoy issue official apology for 2019 VGMA incident

Sunday has been a day for the issuing of statements following last night’s unfortunate occurrences at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Stonebwoy is the latest to issue a statement of apology.

It is as follows:

I would like to extend my sincerest apologies and deepest regrets for my conduct at what should have been the biggest celebration of Ghanaian music last night.

In seeking to entertain Ghanaians, I have been the victim of incessant vilification and physical attacks in recent times. My own dear wife has in the past suffered a knife attack at a concert – an attack that had been meant for me and which resulted in her being rushed to a hospital.

Such unfortunate incidents have clearly had an impact on me and have resulted in my having a heightened sense of alertness. Violence can easily result in trauma – especially violence against those closest to us. This sense of alertness for my personal security and that of my loved ones, unfortunately, resulted in my behaviour at the just ended 20th edition of the VGMAs.

I have been going through difficult times despite the gains my team and I have made musically in raising high the flag of Ghana and also at the 20th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

My past trauma and my heightened senses are however no excuses for my behaviour – no matter the provocation. Other lives were at stake and Ghana’s reputation was also at stake. I am taking remedial measures to ensure that there will never be a repetition of such actions or insecurity whenever I am in a public place. These include improving the security measures within my team and also undergoing counselling to deal with past violent incidents against me and my family. These immediate actions are to ensure that such acts do not recur, nor in any way affect my person or my professional performance.

I hereby wish to render an unqualified apology to event organizers Charterhouse Ghana for marring a rather beautiful event, which was streamed across the continent and indeed the world.

It is my ardent hope that the show will be remembered for the showcase and appreciation of talents and not the few minutes of regretful madness. I will continue working with Charterhouse and hope this won’t in any way affect my relationship with them.

To Vodafone Ghana, my sincerest apologies to you for bringing your brand to a low moment like this.  As artistes, we appreciate what you invest and continue to invest in our talents. We hope you will continue to support Ghanaian music.

To all Ghanaians I ask for your forgiveness. The Stonebwoy you know always comes in peace and I will advocate for peace.

I appreciate your understanding and again, I am really and truly sorry.