Ghanaian Dancehall sensation Jupitar Da General has recently shed light on a significant chapter of his music career, revealing that his chart-topping anthem “Enemies” was inexplicably snubbed by the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs) in 2015. The revelation came during a candid interview on TV3 New Day, where Jupitar discussed his journey in the music industry and the impact of this pivotal moment on his perspective.
Jupitar’s hit track “Enemies” had struck a chord with audiences, becoming an anthem that resonated deeply within the music scene. The song’s popularity during that era was undeniable, making its omission from the VGMAs nominations all the more surprising. Recounting the incident, Jupitar stated, “I remember my biggest song wasn’t nominated, so I realized I didn’t… It was the VGMAs back then in 2015, even though I filed for all the categories. Because ‘Enemies’ was the biggest song in that era.”
This unexpected setback prompted Jupitar to reflect on the nuances of recognition within the music industry. He discussed his international endeavors, including his experiences in France, and his frustration about not adequately showcasing his accomplishments. “My only problem is when I do the stuff I don’t bring it out there for people to see,” he candidly revealed.
While acknowledging the significance of awards and accolades like the VGMA, Jupitar echoed a sentiment shared by numerous artists—the desire for a fair and comprehensive acknowledgment of their contributions. He expressed, “I am not just saying that to undermine them because hopefully we all need VGMA to survive as Ghanaian artistes, but somehow it felt like some of us also Ghanaians, and we equally deserve every push other artistes are getting here.”
Jupitar emphasized that artists like him have achieved substantial success on par with A-list performers, graced major platforms, and even clinched international awards. Despite these accomplishments, local recognition occasionally falls short of their efforts. He noted, “On the field of achievements, we all have similar success in terms of A-list artiste, we all have big platforms that we’ve graced and international awards like the UMA where I won over Wizkid, they were all there.”
Currently releasing his latest track “Stand By,” Jupitar divulged that he sometimes refrains from extensive promotional endeavors due to perceived imbalances in recognition. He explained, “The acknowledgment back home is less, so sometimes I don’t bother with pushing the brand.”
