Veteran Ghanaian dancehall artist Samini is facing backlash from fans after attempting to assert his influence over Afro-dancehall, a genre that Stonebwoy is widely credited with popularizing.
The controversy ignited when Billboard referred to Moliy’s latest single, “Shake It To The Max,” as an Afro-dancehall track, prompting Stonebwoy to reaffirm his status as a genre pioneer. In response, Samini took to social media to suggest that Afro-dancehall originated from his earlier work in African dancehall, claiming he inspired Stonebwoy to incorporate his local Ewe dialect into his music.
Samini stated:
“I’d be lame to claim #Afrodancehall. I saw and inspired it with my #Africandancehall… JMJ was my witness when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse ayigbe since he’s more comfortable with that over Twi.”
While Samini contended he wasn’t seeking credit, many fans criticized the timing and tone of his comments.
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Social media users quickly rallied behind Stonebwoy, accusing Samini of undermining the Bhim Nation president’s contributions to the genre. User CLINTMARS remarked:
“Honestly, it wasn’t necessary for you to explain all this. Stonebwoy built this genre brick by brick. Just give him his flowers.”
Another fan, Worse Koku, bluntly stated:
“Masa, Masa, many people influenced it. Don’t come and reap what you did not sow.”
Citizen_Lyttle added:
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“Uncle, advising him is fine, but how often have you actually used the term ‘Afro-dancehall’? Advising doesn’t mean you created it.”
Other fans expressed disappointment in Samini’s remarks, urging him to support rather than compete with his protégé. User Jabir Gbambegu commented:
“I’m disappointed as your fan. Some issues should be let go, especially with Stonebwoy involved.”
Another user, ObaaYaaPapa1, echoed this sentiment:
“Batman, this Afro-dancehall claim doesn’t make sense to me. Advising Stonebwoy doesn’t mean you created the genre. Be proud he grew under your label.”
While both Samini and Stonebwoy have significantly impacted Ghanaian music, this public debate has sparked discussions about mentorship, legacy, and ownership within the industry. Fans are calling for mutual respect, recognizing that while influence matters, the hard work in building a genre should not be overshadowed.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
