Legendary Highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has questioned claims by Ghanaian artists Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy to the title of “Dancehall King,” emphasizing that the genre was created in Jamaica and not in Africa.
Speaking during an interview on Starr Chat with host Bola Ray, Ambolley stated that while many artists claim the title of dancehall or reggae king, such claims are historically inaccurate.
“Everybody gets up and says, ‘I’m a dancehall king,’ or ‘I’m a reggae king.’ How can you be a dancehall king when you didn’t create it?” Ambolley asked. “Dancehall was created for our brothers from Jamaica. No one has the right to call themselves the dancehall king. You can’t claim something you didn’t originate.”
Addressing Shatta Wale specifically, Ambolley noted that the musician often refers to himself as the “Dancehall King of Africa,” but added, “I think he’s joking about it. Shatta Wale is not a dancehall king because he didn’t come up with it. You cannot be a king of something you didn’t create.”
Ambolley also commented on the ongoing rivalry between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, attributing it to their personal claims of dominance in the genre. “Stonebwoy says he’s the one God controls,” he remarked. “That’s why both of them are always fighting.”
On a lighter note, Ambolley also shared insights into his own musical creativity, referencing Simigwa, a concept he said he created. “If you talk to me, I created Simigwa,” he said. “The meaning of Simigwa is Misimigwado.”
Ambolley’s remarks shed light on the broader discussion about authenticity, originality, and titles within Ghana’s dancehall scene, highlighting the influence of Jamaican culture on African interpretations of the genre.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
