The Afro-Dancehall debate has flared up online after Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known by his stage name Stonebwoy claimed full credit for coining the genre, especially following Billboard’s recent spotlight.
While many fans hail him as a pioneer of the now-global sound, others challenge his claim, citing earlier influences in Ghana’s dancehall scene, including Emmanuel Andrews Sammini, known by his stage name Samini.
In response, Samini addressed the controversy on X, stating, “I’d be lame to claim Afrodancehall. I saw and inspired it with my Africandancehall.
JMJ can confirm when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse Ayigbe, since he’s more comfortable with that over Twi.”
He clarified that African dancehall paved the way for Afro-Dancehall, emphasising his foundational role without claiming ownership of the genre Stonebwoy now champions.
I’d be lame to claim #Afrodancehall . I saw and inspired it into being with my #Africandancehall .. jmj be my witness when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse ayigbe since he’s more comfortable with that over twi. #Africandancehall birthed #Afrodancehall #Gboi…
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) July 2, 2025
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