Titled “Steve Wonder”, the song falls under the VGMA calendar year and eligible to be nominated for categories like “Best Collaboration of the Year” and “Most Popular Song of the Year” but it was missing when Charterhouse announced the nominations list on Saturday (Feb. 29).
It’s an afro-pop song which features controversial dancehall musician Shatta Wale who has been banned from participating in the award scheme for an unpleasant scene he created with Stonebwoy at last year’s event.
Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have been handed an indefinite ban by the VGMA Board following the incident and as a result, they were exempted from this year’s edition.
However, songs that featured these two artistes have been ‘mysteriously’ snubbed. Some industry people suggest it was an effect of the ban.
Ricky Rick, a 3Music Awards Board member, suggested in a Facebook post that Wendy Shay’s snub could be linked to her collaboration with a banned participant – Shatta Wale.
“#MAJOR_SNUB……..As VGMA denies Wendy Shay nominations due to her association with the banned artist, Shatta Wale
One of the BIGGEST song of the Year; “Stevie Wonder” by Wendy Shay was snubbed because it featured Shatta Wale…….other songs that featured Stonebwoy were also snubbed
#Me: Wendy Shay wake up”.
Meanwhile, her least hit single, titled “All For You”, was nominated in the “Afrobeats Song of the Year” category.
Wendy Shay wasn’t the only artiste who suffered from the consequences of the ban. Singer OV, whose breakthrough song “Want Me” which features Stonebwoy, didn’t get a single nod despite being a nationwide hit.
What could be the reason for this major snub? Share your thoughts with us.
