The PRO at Charterhouse- organizers of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), Robert Klah has lashed out at Entertainment journalist, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo for questioning the scheme’s nomination criteria.
In an emotional outburst on United Showbiz, the scheme’s Public Relations Officer on Saturday, March 25, said he was unhappy with the disposition of the Ghanaian pundit on questioning the criteria for nominations in certain categories.
“Is it a demand? If this is how you want to be talking, I won’t listen to you. If you like you can die! Speak well so that we can have a conversation,” he retorted.
According to Mr. Klah who doubles as head of events at Charterhouse, his employers would applaud him and increase his salary if he chose not to listen to Arnold.
“Relax! And bring up your concerns. Relax! I don’t know where you’re carrying this to, because, at the end of the day, I can choose not to listen to you and my employers will even be happy with me and they will even give me an increment in pay. I am not even here to please you, Arnold,” he pointed out.
Host of the Show, MzGee in a bid to calm tensions apologized to the communicator on behalf of Arnold and debunked the assertion that the line of questioning was a personal attack.
In his response, the already fuming Robert Klah disclosed he had the right to ignore rude remarks and comments from anyone as they did not bring value to him.
“Anybody can speak and I will listen. The whole of Ghana can speak and I will listen but I can choose not to mind you because, at the end of the day, I am not getting any value from you. You have to learn how to speak. Stop shouting and relax! I drove my own car; I brought my own fuel to this place so don’t just speak because you think that I am available.” he said.
Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, 39, who showed remorse after the outburst went on his knees and asked the question in a more subtle tone.
“Robert, in all humility, I’d like to know what songs earned Chief One and DZ Azonto a spot in the Best New Artiste category?” he quizzed.
A much calmer and relaxed Robert Klah explained to the room which included Sister Afia, Bulldog, Mz Gee, Mr. Logic, and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo that the board had featured certain artists in the New Artist category because they didn’t make the original cut.
“In the year under review, our research captured tremendous works from these folks. Unfortunately, they couldn’t make the cut in terms of the songs but they were very prominent. So in the wisdom of the board and the guideline, they were given the opportunity to feature in the Best New Artist of the Year category.” he explained .
The controversy surrounding certain nominations in this year’s Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) has sparked a lot of on-air and online debate with stakeholders including Arnold Baidoo asking for clarifications on the issues.