Reggae and Dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, has released a statement explaining why he pulled a gun during the brawl between his camp Shatta Wale’s at the 20th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs).
According to the artiste, attacks on him and his loved ones, especially on his wife during the 2017 Ashaiman to The World concert heightened his sense of security.
The artiste revealed being “a victim of incessant vilification and physical attacks” caused a trauma he is yet to escape from.
“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,” the statement read.
A brawl erupted between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale camps on stage after Stonebwoy was announced the winner of ‘Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year’, at the VGMA on Sunday which caused the former to pull out a gun.
It’s unclear what Shatta Wale’s intentions were considering the fact that the two, over the years, have hardly seen eye to eye.
Although Stonebwoy apologised when he return to the stage after the brawl, he has once again apologised in his statement for denting the image of Charter House and the VGMAs.
“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,” he added.
The artiste stated he is taking precautions to ensure his personal fears do not put other lives in danger ever again, “such unfortunate incidents have clearly had an impact on me.”
He revealed he would be going for counselling sessions to deal with past violent incidents and also improve on security measures within his team.
Read full statement below.
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.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
