The debate regarding the Ghanaian or African artiste who protruded afro-dancehall music to the world has been lingering in the Ghanaian music industry for some time now.
Zimbabwe’s Buffalo Souljah, Orezi from Nigeria, Samini, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and Mzvee from Ghana, are some of the numerous artists who have really helped project afro-dancehall music globally.
But speaking in an exclusive interview with celebrated broadcaster, AJ Sarpong on Citi 97.3fm which was monitored by www.Ghanaweekend.com, Stonebwoy, in response to the aforementioned debate without mincing words stated candidly that he single-handedly sold the afro-dancehall music to the World.
“I have been on the same stage with Shaggy, I have done Bounty killer, Richard Stevens, Alpha Blondy, etc. I am doing a lot to project afro-dancehall…realistically I am the one who sold afro-dancehall to the World..Oh, yes, I am the one”. He stated
The BET award-winner’s proclamation has created prodigious controversy on social media. While others side with the ‘Therapy’ hitmaker, others also think otherwise.
However, expressing his view on the issue in an interview with Ghanaweekend.com, award-winning Ghanaian entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo stated that it is understandable for Stonebwoy to own the tag of being the one to project Afro-dancehall to the World.
According to Arnold, “It’s part of the Showbiz for artists to claim whatever. It is part of bragging rights to who did it first, so it is understandable for Stonebwoy to own the tag of being the one to project Afro-dancehall to the world.”
“He has every right to own it especially when he has indeed projected his brand, the ‘genre’ and the country to the world. His international appeal cannot be questioned”. Arnold stressed
The well-versed entertainment Pundit was quick in stating that, “But it is also important to note that the likes of Samini were the first to hit that international market. Samini did it all! …The difference is, Samini didn’t lay claim or make noise about his influence on that international music market.”
He explained extensively that in this business, self-aggrandizement is allowed so Stonebwoy ought to make his claim as loud as possible.
