The ongoing debate over the origins of the Afro-Dancehall genre has resurfaced, with a prominent figure in Ghana’s music industry calling for closure on the matter.
Karl Kporgla Gidiglo, former Artiste and Business Manager for award-winning musician Stonebwoy, strongly supports the artist’s claim that he coined and pioneered the “Afro-Dancehall” genre over a decade ago.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Karl explained that Afro-Dancehall emerged from Stonebwoy’s innovative fusion of African rhythms with traditional Dancehall, a creative direction that initially faced skepticism.
“Let’s set the record straight: the term Afro-Dancehall was coined and championed by none other than Stonebwoy,” Karl stated. “He boldly pioneered the genre, blending African rhythms with Dancehall elements at a time when such innovation was criticized.”
According to Karl, Stonebwoy began this experimental fusion in the early 2010s while establishing himself in the Ghanaian music scene. Although Afro-Dancehall has gained widespread popularity across Africa, Karl insists its roots are deeply embedded in Stonebwoy’s early work.
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He recalled the challenges Stonebwoy faced, including criticism from veteran Highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, who dismissed the fusion as “diluted Dancehall.”
“Despite the backlash from figures like Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Stonebwoy remained committed to his creative vision, shaping a distinctive sound that now resonates across the continent and beyond,” Karl noted.
Today, Afro-Dancehall is a prominent sub-genre in African music, merging the rhythmic energy of Caribbean Dancehall with the soulful essence of African music. While many artists in Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora have embraced the genre, Karl emphasized that Stonebwoy’s contributions remain “unmatched and foundational.”
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
