Ghanaian Artistes Claiming Accolades Like ‘Dancehall King’ Are Lost- Ambolley
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has bemoaned the current state of Ghanaian music, emphasizing that the genres favoured by contemporary mainstream artistes fail to showcase the true identity of Ghana.
He specifically criticized Dancehall artistes, indirectly suggesting that artists like Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, who are vying for the title of Dancehall King, have lost their way.
Ambolley believes that Ghanaian artistes who mimic genres such as Dancehall and sing in patois are moving away from their authentic roots, which could potentially harm the industry in the long run.
Contrasting with the music coming out of Nigeria, Ambolley noted that Nigerian artists have achieved global success by embracing their cultural identities in their music.
As a pioneer of rap music in Ghana since the 80s, Ambolley highlighted Burna Boy from Nigeria as an example of an artist who successfully incorporates his cultural identity into his music, thereby making a significant impact on the global music scene.
In his words, “There is no future [for Ghanaian music] because we are copying more than being creatives. The young musicians want to go into Dancehall music, singing in patois and others but it originates from Jamaica.
Have you heard Burna Boy singing in patois before? No, the way he sings his songs can be recognized as Nigerian, so there is an identity.”
