The Gun Stonebwoy Pulled at the 2019 VGMAs Was a Toy – A Closer Look
The 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) will never be forgotten not only because of the music and glamour, but also for a dramatic and surprising twist that involved two of Ghana's most prominent dancehall artists—Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy. It wasn't so-great lowest moment for the night, maybe when Stonebwoy pulled what seemed to be a gun during a brawl on stage, causing commotion and panic, sending the audience in waves reacting on social media. Reports months later indicated it could be a toy.
It took place when Stonebwoy was awarded Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year. As he made his way to the stage, so also did Shatta Wale and his entourage, reportedly to congratulate him. But the animosity between the two parties soon marred the moment and a scuffle broke out on stage. In a fit of rage, Stonebwoy was seen holding a handgun at his waist, an act which caused pandemonium among the audience and stopped the event.
Security reacted quickly and escorted the two artists off stage. The award ceremony continued after a lengthy break but was never the same. Photos and video clips of the incident went viral on social media and elicited mass condemnation of the two artists, especially Stonebwoy, for carrying a weapon into what was supposed to be a celebration night.
Stonebwoy addressed the public days later after the incident. He apologized, explaining that he acted with a sense deeply rooted in him of suspicion because of previous incidents, one having been an attempted attack on members of his family during a previous performance. He explained that he never intended to hurt anyone and that his reactions were simply reacting to what was happening at the moment.
Amidst the intense public controversy, the surprise argument began circulating: the gun was not real. It was called a toy or water gun by some of the parties involved. This argument added another layer of controversy to the already tense atmosphere. If true, it would drastically alter public opinion—perhaps reducing the perceived seriousness of the act, but not necessarily excusing it.
But there were different stories. While some argued that it was an innocent replica, others said that the very same thing had been used in previous incidents and therefore could be an actual functional firearm. The lack of a formal, elaborate police report on the nature of the gun created space for debate and speculation.
Whether the gun was an imitation or real, the consequence was immediate. Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale both were arrested and charged with offensive conduct. The VGMA board also moved immediately, giving both artists an indefinite ban from subsequent editions of the awards. Though the ban was subsequently rescinded, the event left a lasting mark in the history of the VGMAs and on the careers of the two artists involved.
It was a wake-up call to the Ghanaian entertainment industry, compelling it to be more worried about security measures and conflict resolution, but most importantly, professionalism on the part of high-profile performers. Be the gun actual or not, the message is clear: actions, particularly in public and influential arenas, have repercussions.
Since then, Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have, in the public eye, attempted to make amends and have even graced subsequent shows on the same stage. The gun incident at the 2019 VGMA has been surrounded by controversy, but it has also transformed and looked within for the industry and its leading stakeholders.
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The Gun Stonebwoy Pulled at the 2019 VGMAs Was a Toy – A Closer Look
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