The long-running debate over who pioneered the Afro-Dancehall genre has resurfaced, but a respected figure in Ghana’s music industry believes the matter should now be put to rest.
Karl Kporgla Gidiglo, former Artiste and Business Manager of award-winning musician Stonebwoy, has firmly supported the artist’s longstanding assertion that he coined and pioneered the “Afro-Dancehall” genre over a decade ago.
READ MORE: Prince David Osei blames Ablakwa for harsh U.S. visa restrictions on Ghanaians
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Karl clarified that Afro-Dancehall emerged from Stonebwoy’s bold fusion of African rhythms with traditional Dancehall , a creative direction that was initially met with scepticism.
Karl stated,
READ MORE: 10 reasons Ghana and Nigeria are the real twins of West Africa ; you can’t separate them
Let’s set the record straight: the term Afro-Dancehall was coined and championed by none other than Stonebwoy
He boldly pioneered the genre, blending African rhythms with Dancehall elements at a time when such innovation was met with criticism.
READ MORE: 10 university course combinations that’ll make you a hot cake on Ghana’s job market
According to Karl, Stonebwoy began this experimental fusion in the early 2010s during his formative years in the Ghanaian music scene. While Afro-Dancehall has since achieved widespread popularity across Africa, Karl insists that its roots lie in Stonebwoy’s early discography and artistic vision.
Stonebwoy
READ MORE: Agradaa’s brother allegedly locks out Angel Asiamah from her property
He also recalled the resistance Stonebwoy faced within the music industry, including criticism from veteran Highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, who once dismissed the fusion as “diluted Dancehall.”
Karl noted,
READ MORE: ‘Be strong, Noko love’ – Angel Asiamah sends message to his jailed wife, Agradaa
Despite facing backlash from some quarters and from the likes of Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
Stonebwoy remained committed to his creative path, helping shape a distinctive sound that now resonates across the continent and beyond.
READ MORE: Agradaa’s jail sentence won’t stop Empress Gifty’s defamation case – Lawyer
Today, Afro-Dancehall stands as a prominent sub-genre in the African musical landscape, merging the rhythmic energy of Caribbean Dancehall with the soulful, percussive essence of African music. While the genre has been embraced by numerous artists across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora, Karl emphasised that Stonebwoy’s contribution remains “unmatched and foundational.”
