The debate surrounding the origin of Afro-Dancehall has been reignited, with industry stakeholders weighing in on the conversation.
At the centre of the debate is Ghanaian Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, who recently claimed to be the originator of the genre.
Now, Karl Kporgla Gidiglo, former Artiste and Business Manager for Stonebwoy, has come out in support of his former client’s claim.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, July 7, Karl stated unequivocally that Stonebwoy coined and championed the term Afro-Dancehall as far back as 2012.
According to Karl, Stonebwoy boldly pioneered the genre.
“Let’s set the record straight: the term Afro-Dancehall was coined and championed by none other than Stonebwoy,” he said.
“He boldly pioneered the genre, blending African rhythms with Dancehall elements at a time when such innovation was met with criticism. Despite facing backlash from some quarters and the likes of Gyedu-Blay Ambolley for what they called ‘diluted Dancehall,’ Stonebwoy stayed true to his vision, helping shape a unique sound that now resonates across the continent and beyond.”
The debate was sparked after Billboard described Moliy’s latest track, Shake It To The Max, as an Afro-Dancehall record. Stonebwoy then took to social media to claim credit for birthing the genre, prompting a response from fellow artiste Samini.
While Samini refused to claim ownership of the term Afro-Dancehall, he emphasised that the genre naturally evolved from what he had long promoted as African Dancehall.
However, Karl, who is now the manager of Dancehall artiste Wakayna, believes Stonebwoy deserves credit for popularising the genre.
“It is, however, unfortunate that we did not take steps to officially patent the name back in 2012 when this movement began. Nonetheless, the legacy and influence are undeniable, and Stonebwoy deserves credit for it,” he stated.
He added that while Samini may have played a role in shaping Stonebwoy’s early sound, it is Stonebwoy who has been instrumental in popularising the genre.
