At this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) in May, one striking trend stood out: almost every artiste who mounted the stage had a hype man by their side. Their job seemed straightforward, yet their impact was undeniable—keeping the crowd engaged with chants, call-and-response energy, and electrifying transitions between verses.
While hype men are only now becoming a visible part of Ghana’s performance culture, OgeeTheMC, the longtime hype man for Dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy, believes the movement owes its roots to his boss.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, monitored by ATL FM online, Ogee insisted that Stonebwoy pioneered the art of integrating hype men into live performances in Ghana.
“Some years back, the industry didn’t care about hype men. Today, it has become part of performance culture. But let’s not forget those who made it attractive when no one cared. And here, I boldly name my boss, Stonebwoy, as the pioneer. The records are there,” Ogee stated confidently.
He added that while seeing hype men shine at this year’s TGMA was refreshing, it was important to also acknowledge those who laid the groundwork when the craft was undervalued.
OgeeTheMC (Left) and Stonebwoy (Right)
Ogee’s journey with Stonebwoy dates back to 2012 when they first met at an event. Two years later, what he calls “divine orchestration” saw him officially join Stonebwoy’s team, eventually stepping into the role of hype man.
Born Bright Fosu Danquah, Ogee had already been honing his skills as a master of ceremonies, hosting school events, community programs, and parties. What began as a hobby while studying at Takoradi Technical University soon revealed his talent for charisma and crowd control.
Far from being just a loud presence on stage, Ogee describes the role of the hype man as a bridge between artiste and audience. They sustain the energy, amplify emotions, and ensure no dull moments during a set.
“When I started, people mocked me, saying I was not serious. But I knew I was building something,” he recalled. “Today, young artistes even reach out to me for mentorship. That alone makes the journey worthwhile.”
Stonebwoy performing live at an event
Ogee acknowledges that Nigerian acts such as Tiwa Savage helped normalize the concept for Ghanaian audiences after she performed with a hype man at an edition of Ghana Meets Naija. However, he insists it was Stonebwoy who made the idea a consistent part of major performances locally.
“Ghana is always relaxed when it comes to versatility in our creative space,” Ogee explained. “But Stonebwoy saw the potential early and gave me the platform. That changed everything.”
Stonebwoy’s decision to embrace a hype man not only enhanced his stagecraft but also gave visibility to a role that is now in high demand across the music industry. Today, nearly every major Ghanaian act employs a hype man during live shows—something almost unheard of a decade ago.
For OgeeTheMC, his story is not just about industry recognition but also about loyalty to the artiste who gave him a platform. More than ten years later, his partnership with Stonebwoy remains unshakable.
“I will always applaud Stonebwoy for setting the pace for others to follow. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and nothing can destroy the bond we’ve built,” he said proudly.
As hype men continue to gain prominence in Ghana, Ogee’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that innovation often begins with those willing to take risks before the industry catches on.
